Photo © New York Times

Curb Exchange

Whisky Curb; Joe The Boss Masseria’s Bootleggers Curb

Description

Giuseppe "Joe" Masseria (or Joey "the Boss" Masseria)found unexpected success during Prohibition, running an open-air bootleg market in the Kenmare-Broom-Grand area near NYPD Headquarters, known as the "Whisky Curb." His quick gun skills and resilience earned him a feared reputation, but this success caught the attention of rival boss Toto D’Aquila, sparking gang wars for territory in Little Italy. Teaming up with the recently freed Giuseppe Morello and rising star Charley "Lucky" Luciano, Masseria eventually outmaneuvered D’Aquila, establishing himself as a major mafia figure. Others who made their fortune here were Frank Costello, Vito Genovese, and Thomas Lucchese.

Established, 1920

Factoids

1927-To deter illegal alcohol production during Prohibition, U.S. officials ordered the poisoning of industrial alcohols, often used by bootleggers to make drinkable spirits. This measure aimed to curb the black-market alcohol trade but tragically led to numerous deaths as people continued to consume tainted alcohol. In one particularly deadly incident, 41 people died in a single New York hospital on New Year's Day in 1927 due to poisoning, highlighting the severe consequences of this government tactic.

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