This image is the cover for the book Ohio's Black Hand Syndicate, True Crime

Ohio's Black Hand Syndicate, True Crime

Organized crime was born in the back of a fruit store in Marion. Before America saw headlines about the Capone Mob, the Purple Gang and Murder Inc., the specter of the Black Hand terrorized nearly every major city.


Fears that the Mafia had reached our shores and infiltrated every Italian immigrant community kept police alert and citizens on edge. It was only a matter of time before these professed Robin Hoods formed a band. And when they did, the eyes of the world turned to Ohio, particularly when the local Black Hand outfit known as the Society of the Banana went on trial. Authors David Meyers and Elise Meyers Walker unfold this first and nearly forgotten chapter on crime syndicate history.

David Meyers, Elise Meyers Walker

A graduate of Miami and Ohio State Universities, DAVID MEYERS has written a number of local histories and various works for the stage. Among the former are Columbus: The Musical Crossroads and Ohio Jazz, while the latter include The Last Christmas Carol, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Condominium Association and The Last Oz Story. He has a background in adult and juvenile corrections.

The History Press