Need a survey of the pre-1931 history

[Boatdrinks]

'First Family' by Mike Dash, is a biography of Joe Morello from his earliest days in Sicily. It covers his coming to New York City, his time down south, then his return to NYC. The history of the Mafia in NYC, really starts with Morello, though the book does mention events that took place before then. From about 1900-1910, Joe Morello was not just the Boss in NYC, but was also Boss of Bosses. Imprisoned, 1910-1920, he was an active player once more, 1920-1930. This book, sets out the history of the Mafia in NYC in general, as well as Morello in particular, from the earliest days, right through to the Castellammarese War.

[Ivan]

'First Family' by Mike Dash, is a biography of Joe Morello from his earliest days in Sicily. It covers his coming to New York City, his time down south, then his return to NYC. The history of the Mafia in NYC, really starts with Morello, though the book does mention events that took place before then. From about 1900-1910, Joe Morello was not just the Boss in NYC, but was also Boss of Bosses. Imprisoned, 1910-1920, he was an active player once more, 1920-1930. This book, sets out the history of the Mafia in NYC in general, as well as Morello in particular, from the earliest days, right through to the Castellammarese War.

I completely forgot about that book. Thanks for the reminder.

"Boatdrinks" as in what you drink in heaven after you get whacked by Mr. Shh?

[Boatdrinks]

You rightly spot, a reference to 'boatdrinks' in the film 'Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead'.
However, it should be recalled, that in the film, the character played by Jack Warden, explained the significance of the references to boatdrinks.
After the hurly-burly of earlier years, players aspired to an easy life, perhaps cruising at sea on their boats. Perhaps a little fishing could be done. However, now, in their later years, nothing exemplified their new status of enjoying the rich fruits and rewards of their previous lives, than to merely indulge in boatdrinks whilst aboard. As this was the aspiration of those players, then wishing 'boatdrinks' to their fellows, was their way of stating their best wishes to them.
In the film, sadly, things did not work out quite as expected. However, those players did get one heavenly final scene.
I myself am in rude health, and like Mark Twain, say that reports of my death are greatly exaggerated. I am in the fortunate position, of being able to take things easy, and enjoy life. So it's boatdrinks for me, and may I wish boatdrinks to all of you!

[Ivan]

You rightly spot, a reference to 'boatdrinks' in the film 'Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead'.
However, it should be recalled, that in the film, the character played by Jack Warden, explained the significance of the references to boatdrinks.
After the hurly-burly of earlier years, players aspired to an easy life, perhaps cruising at sea on their boats. Perhaps a little fishing could be done. However, now, in their later years, nothing exemplified their new status of enjoying the rich fruits and rewards of their previous lives, than to merely indulge in boatdrinks whilst aboard. As this was the aspiration of those players, then wishing 'boatdrinks' to their fellows, was their way of stating their best wishes to them.
In the film, sadly, things did not work out quite as expected. However, those players did get one heavenly final scene.
I myself am in rude health, and like Mark Twain, say that reports of my death are greatly exaggerated. I am in the fortunate position, of being able to take things easy, and enjoy life. So it's boatdrinks for me, and may I wish boatdrinks to all of you!

That is one crazy movie haha. I like the part where the most dangerous hitman in the world everyone is scared to death of is this little nerd guy the movie introduced getting off at a train station.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tua6R1eWTiE