Old News – Gambling Raid

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Illegal gambling has always been a problem. It doesn’t say what kind of gambling was being done at this place in Brockport.

The Brockport Republic
Brockport, NY

Thursdays, February 25, 1915

GAMBLING ROOM RAIDED

THE PROPRIETOR ARRESTED NAMES OF OTHERS TAKEN

A Clean Scoop by the Official.
No Tip-off this time.

ad-2015-02-25Brockport officials are receiving congratulations on their recent efforts toward ridding the village of gambling rooms. The raid made early Sunday morning brought before the public notice a gambling room run it is said by Walter King. It was located in the upper rooms of a block owned by H. N. Johnston on the south side of Market street. For some weeks the place had been under suspicion and the officers had awaited an opportune time to take final steps toward closing it. On Saturday evening the final necessary information was received and shortly after midnight the officers headed by Police Justice Homer C. Holmes armed with the private knock made their to the place. Much to their surprise it was not found necessary to use the knock as the door opened to permit two men to go out just as they reached the door. The proverbial ostrich was was set in it compared with the absurd efforts of some of the men in their endeavors to hide. The door at the rear opening out on a narrow wooden platform was guarded from the outside by two officers and they found it all they could do to hold the door shut. Some even attempted to climb through a small transom. When the occupants had been thoroughly convinced by the police that they were unable to escape the names of about twenty-five men were taken. Walter King was arrested and this week has paid a good sized fine. No other prosecutions have been started so far but those found in the place are to be closely watched and according to the law, proceedings may be instituted any time during the next five years. Most of those found in the place were ordinary run of persona who might be expected there but there were also several men and boys of whom much more might be expected. One of the fellows caught thought seriously enough of the affair so that he made a hurried trip to Chicago Sunday night.