Slot machines and boose bottles thrown into the river???

[Cannonman17]

Years ago I was told by somebody that this one particular bar on the Wisconsin river had a back room business during prohibition. Apparently they had a small gambling and alcohol business behind the scenes so to speak. Supposedly the feds and local police were tipped off and a raid was conducted, the owner and some patrons ran out the back with several slot machines and bottles of booze (cases of it?? I don't know) but anyways... as the story goes they started throwing the "evidence" in the river, including at least a couple of slot machines. The feds/police caught up with them before they could get rid of everything and they were arrested. Now I've been to this place and looked around- what would have been the bar at the time is indeed only a short distance from the river (maybe 50 yards from the back door). I know for a fact that the original bar has been there long enough for the story to be plausible. When you go to the edge of the river straight behind this place you're looking at quite a little drop down to the water. The river at this point is somewhat confined in between two bluffs and the current is pretty fast. Directly below where one would assume they ran there is a deep hole in the river- hard to measure with fishing line because of the fast currant. My questions are these: has anybody else heard of this? does it sound like an old wives tale? (I have not yet researched it at all) IF it is a true story what do you suppose the chances are of getting a magnet big enough to pull one of these slot machines up to the surface again? I would have to believe that they wouldn't have had time to empty them of all the coins. And lastly where would I begin to research such a thing?

 

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[jeff of pa]

has anybody else heard of this? does it sound like an old wives tale? (I have not yet researched it at all) IF it is a true story what do you suppose the chances are of getting a magnet big enough to pull one of these slot machines up to the surface again? I would have to believe that they wouldn't have had time to empty them of all the coins. And lastly where would I begin to research such a thing?

Absolutely it could have Happend.

Back in 2000 a lake was Drained near me. Both Oldtimers & a Local
Policeman told me several stories of several Dozen Slot machines being Thrown in. some by Bar & Club Owners. Some by Feds. the feds would smash them first then Throw them & the money in.

Others told me it was Legend, and it Never Happend.

as for a Magnet, Some were steel some were Aluminum or other Non Magnetic Metal. Some had wooden sides also.

Talk to Oldtimers in the area. If more then one know the story, it is Probably true.
Odds are nobody will be able to give you a Close date, or I'd say go to the local paper & search their Microfilm to see if it was published that a raid was conducted in the area. (That's not proof it Didn't happen if it's not listed though, so it would just be a way to prove it may have, if a raid is listed)

Good Luck !

If you find them Post Pics.

Here is one (The TOP ONE) Thrown in the lake in 1947 (I know this because there were still a few 1947 Mercury Dimes in it.

a Magnet will stick to the Front of the top one.

But the Red Columbia Nickel Slot Machine on the bottom, it will not.

 

[Cannonman17]

You would have to show me a picture of one that was actually found under similar circumstances wouldn't you? I have to say, I've known about this for years but until seeing the magnet posts on here recently I never really gave any "serious" thought to trying to recover them. I have heard basically the same story from two different people but I only remember/am in contact with one. I am going to see if he remembers how he found out about it. I want to say that it happened in the late 20's sometime but that could easily just be my mind adding details for me- I will have to check more into it, I do know that both times I heard the story it was during prohibition which would make the late 20's possible and make whatever coins I might find pretty nice finds! Did you recover that one in the picture? Just out of curiosity would a large magnet been able to pick that one up? How much roughly does it weigh?

 

[jeff of pa]

just a little incentive

Both were Recovered by me.

The Top type A Magnet Will Find, IF it hits the Face.

The sides are Wood, The Back is Missing. So I'm not sure on that.

It was Extremely Heavy. (a Guess 80 Lbs) the wood Soaked in water for 53 years added to it. ( I could only Imagine, If it were Full of Dimes yet)
Getting it up a steep Embankment (almost straight up) to a Waiting Truck was a Task.
it Took my Hunting Partner, & the Truck Driver I called to come
& Haul it for me to help. We must have Been a sight to everyone who saw us from a Distance :P


The Bottom(red one) I dug out the Embankment. in Pieces.
Inside Mechanisim First. Then the Face. then the Bottom(bottom is Wood) I also found Pieces of others, But Unfortunately The Lake is Now Refilled, & When they were Dumped in by the Feds, They also Dumped at least one load of Rock on top, to Discourage anyone
From trying to Get them.

 

[wmas1960]

I have heard similar stories around Chicago. However, the difference is that instead of the operators of the speakeasies trying to get rid of their machines etc. it was the authorities. They would haul away all the gambling equipment and had dumped them out in Lake Michigan. It could be possible that, if these back room casinos were busted up by authorities, that the machines, as well as other gambling equipment could have been taken by barge out and dumped into a river. Don't neglect to think about other items that might have been dumped also. Roulette Wheels etc. My guess would be anything taken out would have been dumped somewhere deep. Perhaps other stuff dumped on top, as was mentioned, rocks and gravel... to discourage and make it difficult to retreive. Also, items like guns etc. would have been dumped as well. Now days though, guns and most IRON items are usually taken to foundries where they are melted down to assure that they can't be used again. Made into items like manhole covers etc. is what the legends that I have heard state.

 

[Cannonman17]

Maybe it was the feds that dumped them in the river, I don't know, haven't found any info yet. The place where they are supposed to be though would be more than enough to deter somebody from trying to get them, no need for a load of rocks, that's for sure. I'm guessing that the "hole" in the river where they are supposed to be is at the least 30' deep and probably deeper with a fast current. One good thing though is this section of the river more than likely runs over bedrock so they shouldn't be covered up by anything and they would have been heavy enough to sink where they were dropped. I'm going to have to take a look on ebay for a magnet. I think I could rig a pulley on a tree on top of the "bluff" for lack of a better term- that should make pulling a heavy load from the bottom a lot easier. Did you find any coins with the one that was in pieces?

 

[jeff of pa]

I had to recheck my Records, No Nickels were found in that area
that would have come from the Columbia Machine.
At least not around the Time I Dug it. The Inside Mechanisim
Is still Mud & Carrosion Packed in places & I never tried Ripping it apart
to Check if there are Nickels lost inside it. as it is Doubtful.

According to My Records the Top Machine was I.D.'d as a 1939 Mills
and I found 3 1947 Merks Stuck to the payout Mechanisim.

These were dumped in the deepest part of the Lake also.
And Most likely just as with this one.
The River Hole you are talking about Probably also has
other Iron objects such as Guns Etc. in it. Especially IF it is a Well
known Deep Spot.

at this Point, the Only Research Needed by you in My opinion, Is the
Hands on Research with a Good Strong Magnet.

 

[wmas1960]

I would find it doubtful, myself, that money would have been left in. I would suspect that the first thing that anyone would have done is remove the money before dumping the machines. Especially if it was the feds or other local authorities. They would have siezed the money.

On the other hand, if it was the operators of the illegal casinos, trying in a hurry to get rid of evidence, you never know if they would have had the time.

I have an old Jennings machine. According to the stampings inside, it was built in the early 50s but would be similar in construction and all to the machines you are talking of. Inside the machine there is a tube that, from it's appearance, might have held about 6 or 8 rolls of nickels. That is what the machine uses for payouts. Then, there is a window that would hold about $30 or so worth of nickels for the BAR BAR BAR Jackpot. Above that is a reserve chamber that would hold another $30 worth of coins to refill if hit.

As one puts coins into the machine, the tube fulls up. After that, coins divert or overflow into the chamber above the window to replenish a jackpot if hit. Then, as that overflows, it all goes into a box "Profit Box" in the bottom and back of the machine.

I don't know how easy it would have been to empty that tube inside the machine. It is kind of in there. However, the insides of the machine just slide out of the cabinet. Someone could dump the bulk of the coins out of the jackpot in no time. The "Profit Box" could similarly be removed and dumped fast. Perhaps the tube can also be emptied by someone who knows what they are doing.

Now, if the feds were on their way down the road, there might not have been much choice. In that case, I would think that machines would have to be fairly close to the bar or tavern as they would have had to just dump them behind the store, into the river. However, if any time was available, I would think that the money would have been removed.

Again, if it was the feds dumping the machines, I can't believe that they didn't remove all the coins before dumping the machines.

I would note though that there are areas inside the machines where spilled coins could get caught up. Sometimes, on our Jennings, coins will miss the hole in the profit box and fall into the insides of the cabinet. Or, when you are loading or unloading coins, you might drop some inside the mechanisms or elsewhere in the cabinet. So, it is always possible that you might find some old coins inside a machine. However, I would think there wouldn't be that many. I would think the real value, if you should find one of these machines, is the cabinet and castings of the machine that you would find. There would be a bit of history to them. I certainly don't think you will find anything that is complete enough, or in good enough condition, to be restored to working condition. In fact, I wouldn't even try to rechrome or paint anything. I would just leave it as the ones in the photos in this thread shows. If you happen to find something, certain clean it up an remove mud and dirt.... If you are lucky to find the guts and the reels and the symbols are visible, consider yourself very lucky with that.

 

[Cannonman17]

Some good points there... and I don't know the exact circumstances of them being thrown into the river other than it happened "during" a raid. I'm going to call the one guy I know that knows about the story today and see if I can trace the story back to somebody who might have a first hand account, unlikely but worth a try. I will post later and let you know what I find out. Also, anybody in or near Wisconsin with a big magnet and a pulley who wants to give this a try with me (save me the buying of the equipment) shoot me an email.

 

[jeff of pa]

The word around here is The Feds, Smashed them with a Sledge Hammer in the back of their Pickup & Dumped them in, Money & all.
supposedly the money was considerd Dirty money. Now it's only considered Dirty If Citizens own it.

Of course I doubt very Much they took a Broom to the floor of the Pickup, till they got back to Reading.

or maby a local Bar on the way

 

[wmas1960]

That would be something to look into. I suppose, back then, things could have been looked at differently and there might be some old coins to be found in areas where such items were dumped. Of course one would have to be able to dive or somehow get down there to retreive it. In the case of a drained lake, digging or excavating in an area known to be a dump site would be interesting. Assuming that doing so would be allowable, legal and accessable.

Today, dirty money or not, it is still money. Money and other, legal to own, assets, that are seized in drug or other raids, is often kept for use by the authorities. Sometimes used locally. Local police departments, around here, are known to occasionially get vehicles from drug seizures, for example, perhaps boats and airplanes... and use them for undercover or other police work. Other, more valuable items, are auctioned off for their proceeds. That and the cash that is seized helps fund future law enforcement operations. Maybe that wasn't a conideration or an issue of the law back then though.

 

[jeff of pa]

Today, dirty money or not, it is still money. Money and other, legal to own, assets, that are seized in drug or other raids, is often kept for use by the authorities. Sometimes used locally. Local police departments, around here, are known to occasionially get vehicles from drug seizures, for example, perhaps boats and airplanes... and use them for undercover or other police work. Other, more valuable items, are auctioned off for their proceeds. That and the cash that is seized helps fund future law enforcement operations. Maybe that wasn't a conideration or an issue of the law back then though.

Exactly.

Back then, they Didn't use the law to Steal "Legal Items" from People
who Broke Laws.

 

[deepsix47]

Years ago I was told by somebody that this one particular bar on the Wisconsin river had a back room business during prohibition. Apparently they had a small gambling and alcohol business behind the scenes so to speak. Supposedly the feds and local police were tipped off and a raid was conducted, the owner and some patrons ran out the back with several slot machines and bottles of booze (cases of it?? I don't know) but anyways... as the story goes they started throwing the "evidence" in the river, including at least a couple of slot machines. The feds/police caught up with them before they could get rid of everything and they were arrested. Now I've been to this place and looked around- what would have been the bar at the time is indeed only a short distance from the river (maybe 50 yards from the back door). I know for a fact that the original bar has been there long enough for the story to be plausible. When you go to the edge of the river straight behind this place you're looking at quite a little drop down to the water. The river at this point is somewhat confined in between two bluffs and the current is pretty fast. Directly below where one would assume they ran there is a deep hole in the river- hard to measure with fishing line because of the fast currant. My questions are these: has anybody else heard of this? does it sound like an old wives tale? (I have not yet researched it at all) IF it is a true story what do you suppose the chances are of getting a magnet big enough to pull one of these slot machines up to the surface again? I would have to believe that they wouldn't have had time to empty them of all the coins. And lastly where would I begin to research such a thing?

It's sure worth looking into. When Phoenix City, Alabama was finally shut down by the Feds and Military, hundreds of slot machines were dumped into the Chattahoochee River from the bridge that separates it from Columbus, Georgia. I spent a couple of years in that area looking for other things and heard the story from many of the old timers. The river is pretty fast through there also and for a number of reasons I never got a chance to attempt to dive it. There is enough documented evidence though to show it happened. Go for it, I wish you the best of luck!!!!

 

[jeff of pa]

something to consider.
Have there been any Floods in the area that would have caused the current to speed up drastically ?

If yes, is there any Sharp Bends Below where things could have been Shoved into the Embankment or over top ?

Don't take for granted all will remain Below the Bridge

 

[Badger Bart]

A 12 volt winch of the type used on 4 wheelers would work better than the rope and pulley, it seems to me. you may need a marine battery if you can't get a vehicle with a winch to the edge. Perhaps you already know someone who has such a rig. Beisdes a honkin big magnet, you could also try the old three prong grappling hook. Expect to haul a lot of junk out, tires, bikes, and who knows what else, and perhaps a safe as well.

I live near Eau Claire, what town on the river are you referring to? If it is not too far from me, I may be able to help you out.

 

[Cannonman17]

Here's the update: I talked to the person who I first heard the story from and he said that he heard it before he even left for Vietneam and doesn't remember who told him, so much for that. After talking with you guys on here I believe there is a very good chance that this story is true though.. it would just be really nice to find one newspaper article or find one old timer to confirm it before I go "all in."

The location: I have to be vague here of course... is the Wisconsin Dells "area". There is no way possible to get a vehicle to the edge of the bluff... what ever I choose to do will have to be done by hand.. I'll have no choice because not only is the bar still there, it has expanded... A LOT. I will also have to try to get permission from the owners to use the land.. I can only hope they say okay, if not this will have to be done by boat *sigh*, even more complicated.

I don't think diving is even a remote possibility. Take the Wisconsin river (fairly large river) and constrict it down to 1/2 or maybe even 1/3 it's normal size... makes for some STRONG current. If you walk out the back door of where the bar once was and walk a short distance you come to the river. At this point you are standing on top of a sandstone "bluff". Looking straight down from the edge is a very deep hole- this is where they are supposed to be. I'm almost positive that the bottom here is bedrock. I don't think there would be too much junk here because there was never any houses or farms here, just the bar. I would imagine that they too used the river as a dump like everybody else back then but I would think that the types of things they would have thrown in (like bottles and cans) would have been taken down stream pretty quick, only something large/heavy would be able to drop through the current to the bottom of this hole.

Sitting here writing this I just got an idea- do you guys think that there may be some type of underwater camera that would work for this job? I'm sure that it would be possible to tie a boat off to the river bank but I don't know much about underwater cameras either...

I guess anybody in the area that has a boat, large magnet, underwater camera, or any combination there of would be welcome to help me out- I would split any potential booty. I just think it would be cool as all heck to recover! I don't think there would be enough silver coins to make anybody rich but you never know, could end up in the magazine! I can get a boat from my buddy... I could buy a magnet....

I think that I am going to talk to some people at the historical society to find out if they know of any raids being conducted during the prohibition erra... kind of a round about way of confirming without letting anybody know what I'm up to exactly. I might also try sifting through some newspapers from that time period but man 1919-1933, that's a lot of sifting... time that could be spent MDing! I'll keep ya posted if I find out anything new-

 

[jeff of pa]

Getting Permission from the bar should be easy.
Just Tell them what your looking for, and say
if your Hunch is Correct, you would be willing to
Donate one of them to the bar, as a Show piece.
(Just don't mention you plan on looking for money first )


an Underwater Camera may work. there shouldn't be much current in the bottom of the hole. and a good heavy Sinker, or Light Anchor should keep what current there is from carrying it out the hole.

I'm almost sure I read recentlly of a Very Reasonably priced underwater
Cam. Not sure if it was at Radio Shack, or ?

 

[Badger Bart]

Cannon, how far is it from the top of the bluff to the water? And what is on the other side of the river opposite the bluff? I am presuming another bluff. What is the width of the river at the bluff?

The water should be quite green this time of year, a camera doesn't sound like it would be of much use. I am not sure if a camera would be of help at all, considering the clarity of the water at any time of the year.

You might consider having the magnet tack-welded to a grappling hook, at the bottom of the hook, out of the way for dragging, but still able to do it's thing. Depending on the magnet's weight, it may just work as the heave sinker also.

I may be able to come down there and give you a hand at this, sounds like fun. I have about 50 feet of 1/2 inch steel cable if you think it would be of any use. I have other rope, wire, rods, etc. too. You are welcome to use it if I am unable to make it.

You are right, throwing stuff in the river was quite common back then, and this story is not uncommon, and probably true also. It's worth a try.

 

[Cannonman17]

Badger Bart, Thanks for the offer, I will keep you in mind on this project. I think that the magnet on a rope might be best, I would be almost affraid to drag a hook- get it stuck in a rock crevice or something in that current and good luck..
You might be right about the water being to dark or green for the camera.. the river doesn't usually get as bad as the lakes though... I don't know, I might be tempted to get a cameral anyways. I seen a remote one with a video feed that you watch from the boat for like 200.00 new... I was told by an old timer that in the late 20s or 30s there was a real dry year/drought and this one little natuarl pond not far from my house out in the middle of nowhere almost evaporated away, leaving only the one deeper hole filled with water - he said that sticking out of the mud on the edge of the deeper hole there was an Indian dug out canoe. So I might have more than one use for the camera... I don't know.. my wife will probably throw me in the lake/river if I buy one though.
To answer your questions... It's been like 10 years since I went and looked down from the bluff where these slots are supposed to be so I'm going off my less than stellar memory here but...
It's probably at least 20-30' from the bluff to the water surface.
The distance from one bank to the other.. I just don't remember.. I know that there's a bluff on the opposite side too and that the river is bottlenecked at this point.
I'll keep you posted if I go out there or buy a camera or magnet.. I have nothing ready to go at this point, a trip down there next spring or summer is more likely than this year.. we'll see.

 

[Badger Bart]

Goog luck with it, it should be a fun project.