Capone's Cornfields: The Mob in the Illinois Valley

by Dan Churney

Residents of small towns in New England like to say "George Washington slept here," while citizens of the Illinois Valley like to say "Al Capone slept here." As you can see, things are different in the Land of Lincoln. Scarface might or might not have laid his head to rest in the Illinois Valley - a region 70 miles southwest of Chicago - but there is evidence that lesser hoods slept there - sometimes for eternity. Capone's Cornfields covers the rackets and racketeers of the Illinois Valley from the horse-and-buggy era to the Internet age. You'll read about bona fide pinstripe-clad Mafiosi such as Capone, Paul "The Waiter" Ricca and "Mad" Sam De Stefano. However, lesser known and less noxious viceroys of vice also appear in its pages. In Capone's Cornfields, you'll be taken for a ride, but unlike some of the mobsters about which you'll read, you'll return safely.

Paperback

First published December 17, 2003

Reviews

[Sam Schulman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll see you Dakota Diaspora and raise you Capone's Cornfields. Not very good, and execrably written, but if you want to see the dark side of the Lebensbergers laid bare - and who doesn't - this is the only place to do so, outside of the files of the Chicago Tribune in 1932. The whole story of the dapper little German-Jewish Elgin, Illinois bootlegger who, thanks to the magic of goychasing, is now mischpoches with Jimmy Stewart.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was rather fascinating in a troubling way because it contained true stories about people who lived and did their nefarious deeds in small towns in Central Illinois with which I was very familiar. In fact, I lived and worked in Streator when I first got out of college, and I spent a lot of time in Ottawa, and had family in LaSalle/Peru. Dan Churney tells about people who were on the wrong side of the law in the Illinois Valley, mostly in LaSalle County, during the time of prohibition when bootlegging and prostitution and hijacking and illegal gambling and boxing matches were rampant. Not to mention murder. Most of these were connected to organized crime. He gives specific names and addresses and dates - and it's all very chilling and often gruesome. But admittedly fascinating!

This book has been on my bookshelf in my Chicago condo for years. It's where I keep books about Chicago in general, several about the mob. Maybe someday I'll try reading other mob stories, but goodness those times were awful! Hmm, are we doing better now? Or not?

[Teri Reck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating commentary on the mob in the Illinois Valley. Not sure just who this author is, or how he knows what he claims, but the stories were at least interesting. The style of writing is very smug and smart aleck-y, sort of a pretense of gritty reporting. It was amusing at first, but it became tedious by the end of the book. There are absolutely no notes, bibliography, no credentials, nothing to back up what he says, so it could just be a complete work of fiction. Or it could be for real, I have no way to judge. Like so much to do with the mob, I figure that there is a fair mix of fiction and truth. And he does acknowledge people for their help at the beginning of the book who seem to be the sort who might know a thing or two. An intriguing, quick read.

[Scott Kuffel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Churney is such a clever writer. I grew up spending a lot of time w my Grandpa in Spring Valley as a kid— watched him w parlay cards and going to boxing matches along the Illinois River. A colorful time and some colorful characters. Really enjoyed the writing style!! Looking forward to sharing this book w friends.

[Penny Magoonaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting especially living in la Salle county!

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contains many fascinating stories about various unscrupulous characters with ties to LaSalle County. Great information. Terrible writing.

[Lenora Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone from La Salle County or into Illinois history.

[Brianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very interesting and fun because it is local history. I can't wait to read his book about crime in the Illinois Valley. Good read for those from the area.