Misfortune on Cleveland's Millionaries' Row

by Alan F. Dutka

Extreme wealth could buy a mansion in Millionaires’ Row but not immunity from unsavory business dealings or shameful behavior. May Hanna gave her millionaire ex-husband’s hired Pinkerton detectives the slip to sneak out of the country. To escape financial embarrassment, James Potter, the manager of a prominent Euclid Avenue apartment building, gave his family cough medicine laced with poison, killing his entire family including himself. Married to a Millionaires’ Row doctor, the infamous con woman Cassie Chadwick posed as Andrew Carnegie’s illegitimate daughter and forged a fake $5 million check. Author Alan Dutka delves into sixteen tales of anguish and deceit that offer a startling perspective on Cleveland’s super-rich.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, True Crime, Historical

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[Jrobert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook. Enjoyed learning about Cleveland’s history (1800-1950s) businesses and the peoples lives behind these businesses. Thanks pal for another good recommendation.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and it's a vast improvement. Much clearer and more importantly edited much better. Ironically, one of the chapters took place on January 18th, 1828 and I was reading it on January 18th, 2017. Odd little moment.

It's nice to know that rich, famous and infamous had issues too. Most of don't lose huge fortunes in a lifetime or commit crimes. Different families along the Euclid Avenue and their tales that show how even money can't buy lasting security.

Not all the chapters tell you where the house sat, the address listed at the front and/or a map showing each house. Interesting read.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because I enjoy learning about Cleveland history. However, sometimes the stories in this book didn’t flow well, or you’d start the chapter thinking you would learn about one event and instead learn about something adjacent. That’s my only gripe with this book. Otherwise, the photos and stories were great.

[SM Surber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook. Enjoyed the reader. Interesting history of the characters who lived on Euclid Ave in the late 1800’s. People were just as crafty back then- universal truths of human character: infidelity, business conflicts, emotional instability, deviousness etc. all are present in these tales of great wealth.

[Jimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining read focusing on the problems of the rich and famous of Cleveland back in the day. No footnotes.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the premises of the book. Part of it read like a historical gossip column but a rather enjoyable one. The pictures that were included helped the reader to envision the splendor of Euclid Ave. As a result, it brought on deep sadness and anger over the fact that these gorgeous homes were mostly demolished. As a whole, a short enjoyable book.