Question for the NY Mob researchers

[Villain]

When was the highest number of made guys within the five fams, before or after the Bonanno conflict? The main thing is to consider the so-called Banana Wars as the middle point since this kind of info is important for one of my Chicago researches...thank you

[Antiliar]

My guess is that the Five Families peaked around 1931. Guys were being brought in left and right during Prohibition, and many more during the clash between Masseria and Maranzano. Then there was reportedly a hold on making new members except for replacements.

[Villain]

My guess is that the Five Families peaked around 1931. Guys were being brought in left and right during Prohibition, and many more during the clash between Masseria and Maranzano. Then there was reportedly a hold on making new members except for replacements.

Thanks man I know that the books were closed at one point and they werent taking any new members but looks like Prohibition took the level of greed on a much higher scale. Same as narcotics I believe, if not more. Was the so-called book closing meant for all the families or only for NY?

[johnny_scootch]

My guess is that the Five Families peaked around 1931. Guys were being brought in left and right during Prohibition, and many more during the clash between Masseria and Maranzano. Then there was reportedly a hold on making new members except for replacements.

Thanks man I know that the books were closed at one point and they werent taking any new members but looks like Prohibition took the level of greed on a much higher scale. Same as narcotics I believe, if not more. Was the so-called book closing meant for all the families or only for NY?

Antiliar I believe meant that the books were open but you couldn't add to your total of made guys. People died and you could replace them so from that point the families weren't growing but holding steady.

[Villain]

My guess is that the Five Families peaked around 1931. Guys were being brought in left and right during Prohibition, and many more during the clash between Masseria and Maranzano. Then there was reportedly a hold on making new members except for replacements.

Thanks man I know that the books were closed at one point and they werent taking any new members but looks like Prohibition took the level of greed on a much higher scale. Same as narcotics I believe, if not more. Was the so-called book closing meant for all the families or only for NY?

Antiliar I believe meant that the books were open but you couldn't add to your total of made guys. People died and you could replace them so from that point the families weren't growing but holding steady.

Thank you also Johnny but whats your opinion on the second question?

[Pogo The Clown]

It was only for the 5 families.


Pogo

[Villain]

It was only for the 5 families.


Pogo

Thanks buddy

[Antiliar]

From what I've read, the rule did apply to all the other Families except New Orleans. Other Families had to ask the Commission when they wanted to make new members during the "pause."

[Selig]

My guess is that the Five Families peaked around 1931. Guys were being brought in left and right during Prohibition, and many more during the clash between Masseria and Maranzano. Then there was reportedly a hold on making new members except for replacements.

Clearly Prohibition and the Castellammarese war was the impetus for the major expansion of the New York City Families, which led to the cap which was imposed by the Commission in 1931 to maintain a balance of power. I would imagine all the Families would have pretty much maintained their 1931 levels while the books were closed,but I wonder if membership may have risen again between when the books were opened in the early 1940's until they closed again in 1957 after Apalachin.

But to answer the op, that would still mean that peak size of he NYC Families was very likely to be pre Bonanno war rather than post. I seem to recall that Joe Bonanno estimated his Family at 400 members prior to that conflict and they were certainly never more than 200 post that.

[Pogo The Clown]

From what I've read, the rule did apply to all the other Families except New Orleans. Other Families had to ask the Commission when they wanted to make new members during the "pause."

Your probably right about them needing permission. I just recall the other famies making new members while the NY books were closed.


Pogo

[Angelo Santino]

From what I've read, the rule did apply to all the other Families except New Orleans. Other Families had to ask the Commission when they wanted to make new members during the "pause."

Your probably right about them needing permission. I just recall the other famies making new members while the NY books were closed.


Pogo

Cleveland as well.