Years ago I lived half a block from a reputed mafia arson hit on a famous Philadelphia restaurant and nightclub, Palumbo's, gathering place of all the Italian-American entertainers and every Philly politician for a century, even some Republicans. I met Frank Rizzo there, and also Teddy Kennedy, whose handshake was like a dead fish (I know, right?).
The sodden heap of charred hundred-year-old wooden beams, tables, chairs, bars and stools, liquor bottles, drapery, carpets and hundreds of framed photos of celebrities shaking Mr. Palumbo's hand actually re-ignited three times over the next several days. Could have been the arsonist sneaking back; could have been spontaneous—but where's the drama in that? I'll never forget the smell of it.
The half-a-block site where Frank Sinatra, Louie Prima, Mario Lanza, Eddie Fisher, Al Martino, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell and Jimmie Durante held court became a little brick Rite Aid with a big parking lot. They paved paradise.
Ah, I remember it well. One of my buddy's mother in law tended bar there.
The only edit I'd make to your post, and it's because I would travel in circles that no reputable gentleman would, is after two failed attempts, they finally hired "MoTown" to finish the job, and he didn't disappoint. FWIW - he burned down the 700 club on 11th below Christian shortly thereafter.
Oh, the good times of a mis-spent youth.
Thanks for the PING!
Palumbos was THE place to go for previous generations. That and The Latin Casino! (which was neither Latin nor a casino...caused me great childhood confusion!)
