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Interview with a 1970s greaser: Chicago Greaser! Read about Greasers in the 1970s and 80s in the book "Lords of Lawndale". Portrait of a Delinquent, by Barbara Levine“Johnny,” a 15 year old delinquent who comes from the Lower East Side slums. He is the son of a worthless father and a hard-drinking mother. The boy is the president and the toughest member of the Third Street Gang. After noting that Johnny had joined the gang when he was 12, the writer went on: “Now let us view a typical day in his life.” “He comes home from school at 3 o’clock. He meets his gang at the clubhouse. When he arrives, the members are discussing ways of fighting their enemies, the Second Street Gang. “It is decided that the fight will be waged with clubs. They will sneak up and take them by surprise. They arrange to meet at 7 o’clock. “The appointed time arrives, and we find Johnny and his gang ready to fight their adversaries. Slowly they tread along until they come to their foe’s clubhouse. Johnny gives the signal for attack. The Second Street Gang is unprepared for the melee, and so it is an easy fight. The victors destroy the clubhouse and trash the vanquished. “Johnny goes back to his home late that night and finds his parents are having a argument about their lack of money. Under this tension he goes to bed and finally falls asleep.” "Student Sketches Gang Delinquency" New York Times (1857-Current file); Feb 1, 1957;page 10. "I heard the Horsemen were Busting out, bopping the gang on the next block so I went and had myself a look! It was a rumble for real with zip guns, jackhammers, the works!" From the movie: The Young Savages, 1960. "We're going to have to bop our way back!" "What are we waiting for?" "The train would help. Unless you want to get japped on an open platform!" From the movie: The Warriors, 1979. "Gang Slang" By PHILIP BENJAMIN New York Times (1857-Current file); Oct 20, 1957; pg. SM28 |
Interview with a 1970s greaser: Chicago Greaser!
Read about Greasers in the 1970s and 80s in the book "Lords of Lawndale".
I hung out with Bagley Boys & Stilettos, had friends in both gangs. Not only that but I hung out with the crows too--Tony C. was the leader with Little Dave, Danny S. Mike B.
The Crows did not hang out at clark park unless they were going to fight the Bagley Boys lol and the Stilettos didn't hang out at Clark Park either--unless they were going to fight the Bagley Boys--what I'm saying is Clark Park was Bagley turf. Western High School was across the street from Clark Park--Stiletto and Bagley Boys both went to Western--I went to one gang fight--its was 62' or 63' I was too young to fight but was what they called an "armor Bearer" I carried their knives and brass knuckles and such and passed them out to them near the fight scene--because I was 11 or 12 at the time I wouldn't draw attention to myself and if I did get caught with the stuff the cops would go easy on me cuz I was so young. I did this for the Crows, Tony C. was the protector of us small fries in the hood. If someone was messing with me and Tony was nearby--that guy got hurt--no questions--Tony would make him eat dirt!!
My brother who is older hung out with both Stilettos and Bagley Boys--would know more about them and some stories.
The Crows hung out on Vernor Highway or Toledo & Juction st's TJ for short.
I also had I friend in the Zulus---his name was Bernie Campell---he was killed in a bike accident. 69' or so---his parents owned a corner store at Rodgers & Juction across the street for the firehouse that was a cool hangout--but not for gangs.
While growing up in the area of 24th and Porter Street - during the late fifties and early sixties - there was a small gang called the 25th Street Boys - we all hung out at the corner drug store called "Leona's on one corner and the other corner was Barons Drugs at the corner of 25th and Porter streets. Our ages were between say 14 years old to 17 years old [Western High]- The older guys were known as the "The Original Rogues'"" I also remember The Hoodblades- Man those were the good old days - I still go back to those areas - But just able everything is level now - so sad - I lived on 24th Street Det. until- 1963- then off to the U.S.Army I went for three years.
The President of Satan Saints had this to say about his club:
It was the Rejects before for a short time. It was at first a "social club" no restrictions to type of transportation or even having any. Eventually we had two chapters one an M.C. I don't know how much I can logically say about the club without having to invoke the 5th. Our club motto, that I originated, "In the club we trust, for to have faith in one another, is to be forever one" was used by some associates in the U.H.A. (United Hustlers of America). My hookup there was the Mendoza brothers (since deceased). Also was hooked up with The Elite, that one is on a need to know basis. We had fun just like the rest. One time "chucky" a Herman Gardens character was spotted on the street and a few of us had an issue about him accosted him and his crew. I remember "knockwurst" saying, " I got me this Cherry Smash lets see if it works." Wam, upside of Chuckys head and out like a light. Another time at a drive in, Chucky is in the line and he sees us and he's over the counter and we're after him like hounds on the rabbit. We hung out at Sip and Snacks on Warren & Brace and at the White House around the cannon and in the general area of the Derby Hill. There was this Dearborn club that their initiation was just to be able too hang on our corner got you in with them. I remember Jerome hanging on our corner and just joining with us instead. We knew somebody in most clubs and most of us went to other motorcycle clubs. Some members, Me the Animal, Boris the Spider, Cool Runnings, Woody, Churchkey, Doom (our weapons expert) plenty of friends, associates, comrades in arms. Associated well with the Jan's Boys except for a incident where we showed armed and ready at the Spinoza model plane area for a no show on their behalf. Even one of the original WABX DJ's came by to cover the incident. We are one of the original "nationwide".
RIP In Memory of Tom Rudd, Mendoza brothers 3, and Bob the Mad Eater buried 4-19-2002
Used to hang out at the Dell on the corner of Rutherford and Plymouth Road before Greenfield Road
The younger sister of a B.S. member had this to say:
"That was my older sister, Ginny & Jim A. But we all came along around 65. We were part of Jan's club (not really a gang). Also hung around little park (Kasciousko school). Then started hanging out at 'White House', (Rouge Park)..on week-ends & in summer. There was a whole neighborhood of us kids, that hung out. All ages. From West of Southfiled X-way to the park. (It was so safe then). Then, after that, we all hung out at Al's Bar, (next to Jan's). Boy, talkin about the good ole days. Even the 'Nights of the Road' hung with us neighborhood people at Al's. I also remember Warrendale, my sister worked at Joe-B's. We were a large group. & I remember 'Forbidden Wheels' on Southfield at Joy Road. & also the group that hung out at the 'Beginning' bar on Southfield Service Drive. I graduated Cody in 1968."
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Detroit Greasers
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The History of Stone Greasers
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