F.A.Q.'S

My Al Capone Museum | home

(Frequently asked questions)

In order to avoid replying to the same gazillion emails I receive all the time, I'm putting up this webpage. If you don't find the answer here, then you can email your request.

First off, some technical Stuff

Q: I can't see the photos on your site and sometimes get an error message. Is there something is wrong with your webpage or website?

A: Actually, the problem may be at your end and not mine. Make sure you have "Show Pictures" checked in your advanced tab to your internet options. Have your web browser updated with the latest versions of it's files.

Other reasons that may cause this problem is too strong firewall settings (Uncheck Web Bugs) or too high internet security zone settings. Those should be at Default level settings.

Lastly, this site is to be viewed through high speed internet. Dial up connection may be too slow to show all the many images placed on each page. Try refreshing the web page to correct this.

I've tested my site via friends from all over the globe, and on various devices (Computers, laptops and Blackberrys). All reported no problems viewing this site.

Q: Where is Sonny Capone? is he still alive?

A: Albert Francis Capone passed away on July 8, 2004.

Q: Where's his family?

A: I'm sorry, but I do not divulge anyone's personal info.

Q: Can you give me any Capone relative's phone number?

A: No, Many of these relatives have lives and do not wish to be bothered about this stuff. I must respect their privacy and so should you. Surprisingly, most do not have more info than you will find here anyway.

Q: Where did Al Capone's family originate from?

A: Although I have the answer, I wish to stay away from the genealogy part. To me, it's irrelevant to my site and to Al's becoming a gangster, or the history of Chicago beer wars in general. Al's parents were hardworking people.

Here's a hint. If you really want to know about Al's families origins, then you can read about the same town in author Mars Eghigian's excellent book on Frank Nitti. Both families orginated from there.

Q: Can you tell me about Sonny's children? Why don't you have info about him or them on your site.

A: I will not divulge any info relating to his children. Albert Francis was a great man who treated everyone with respect, whether you were rich or poor. He immensely loved his dad, mom, family and that's as far as I will ever say on here. He was very private and never spoke about his family to others and neither will I. I have immense respect for his memory and his family. Also, important to note : He isn't relevant to Chicago gangsters, which is what this site is really about.

Q: I think I'm related to Al Capone can you help me out?

A: Sorry, I'm not a genealogist and nor would I have the time. Just because your name is Capone that does not mean you are related to Al Capone. If you are related, you will have proof such as family records, DNA etc...

Case in point, one person emailed my Northsider expert friend claiming they were related to George "Bugs" Moran and that they had the name and Irish ancestry to prove it!

Guess what? George Moran was an alias. His real name was Adelard Cunin and he was from Minnesota born to a French European dad and a Canadian mother.

Not Irish or a Moran at all!

Q: I have a school project on Capone can you help me out?

A: That's something I used to enjoy doing although time constraints have made me stop. I also got a heads up from a teacher looking down on me helping her students, which made me change my mind about helping with future school projects. She wants them to head down to their local libary and crack the books. Guess you now have to work for the fruits of your labor!

Q: Can you give me some of your stuff?

A: No, I can't. If I did, there would be nothing left to show here! In reality, this stuff doesn't really belong to anyone. The logic is that I am simply a caretaker of these items for the present moment. After my death, these things will move on elsewhere or to other collectors.

Q: How come the Capone personal photos on your site are small and have watermarks in them?

A: I had first placed them on the site without watermarks and since have found three instances in which some unsrupulous people have taken these photos and placed them on their site without even seeking my permission. If you see any of the Capone personal family photos from this site on another, rest assured that they were taken without my permission. I just recently had made two cropped inferior copies of a Sonny and Mae photo taken in later years from my collection, which I in turn, offered to two Capone family members as a gift. Surprisingly and sadly, it has now ended up on someone else's site and future book without even asking my permission.

While I do not claim copyright on this photo, the original is indeed in my possession and should at least be noted as such. Same with the other two instances; one concerning a photo of Al with Sonny in front of a car on Palm Isle, and another site with a photo from this site of Mae signed by her to her sister Agnes.

Some sort of permission and acknowledgement would have been appreciated. Remember, If it weren't for this site, these photos would have never seen the light of day.

Q: Can you make me a copy of the Capone family photos?

A: No. The reason being is copies will be made on Ebay ad nauseum.

If you really desperately want Capone family photos then open your wallet real wide and you can have a chance to buy them at a private auction, through a Capone relative or even on Ebay as was recently the case.

Q: Can you sell me some items from your collection?

A: I don't sell stuff. If I part with an item, it usually ends up on Ebay or I sell it to a friend whose into this stuff.

Q: Can I use photos from your website and link your site?

A: I appreciate when someone asks me first. I've noticed a few who took things and link without asking. I see stuff end up here and there and even in the wildest places imaginable. (Selling junk, depravity, crime etc..). Some of this stuff I would never associate myself with, even if I were dead. Some even post them up on their "gangbanger" face book page. While the subject of Al Capone and the Chicago's roaring twenties was a fascinating period, it should not be used as a basis to praise criminals in any way, today or past. It's simply history that can be enjoyed without being repeated.

Q: I've noticed a mistake on your site. Can you correct it?

A: I put up alot of stuff, but I also receive help from lots of people here (authors, researchers) and you great people out there (Thank-you!). That's why this site is great! We try to bring you the most accurate info out there, culminated from all the books, documents, sources, files, family etc.. There are bound to be mistakes ex: locations etc.. I will gladly take your corrections and personally mull them over and then have my expert assistants check on it, and if it's correct ,you can bet for sure that the mistaken entry will be rectified.

Q: Where is Ralph Capone (Al's brother) buried?

A: Ralph Capone's ashes have been recently interred with the rest of the Capone family in Mount Carmel cemetary.

Q: Was there ever a recording of Al's voice?

A: No, there is no known recording of Al's voice. The talking pictures began in 1930 and equipment to make it was very expensive, so chances are Al just missed the time to be recorded. I also don't think Al would ever have wanted to be recorded saying something he couldn't take back. Near the end of his life, great care was made to watch over him in case his pareisis made him spill any mob info.

There was no danger as his disease had regressed him somewhat.

Q: What did he sound like?

A: According to some family members, he spoke in a soft manner almost singing like.

This attribute is seen often in Italian families.

Q: Did he have an Italian accent?

A: Being born in New York, No, he didn't. The only accent he had and lost was his New York accent. Johnny Torrio took Al and refined his rough edges in order to make him a tad more respectable for business dealings.

Q: Did Al speak Italian?

A: Yes he did! Spoke to his mom in Italian.

Q: Is it true that Al once was a boxer's manager?

A: Yes it's true! During his early years in Chicago (1923-1924) Al once managed a boxer by the name of Mike Dundee, real name Mike Posateri. It was not uncommon for gangsters, or the underworld to dabble in sports. Johnny Torrio was known as a sportsman back in New York. He had organised many boxing and wrestling matches before settling in Chicago. He also magaged a few in Chicago. Big Jim Colosimo also had dabbled in managing and financially backing boxers. Many gangsters had also been boxers before joining a gang. (Jack McGurn, Spike O'Donnell, Edward Tancl, Theodore Anton etc..).

Mike Dundee (Mike Posateri), the Rock Island featherweight, once had Al Capone as his manager.

(Newspaper photo supplied by Mr. Bryan Lloyd)

Q: What is THE BEST books I can read on Al Capone?

A: These three books pretty much paint the complete picture of Al Capone and they are;

1) Al Capone: The biography of a self-made man by Fred D. Pasley.

2) Capone: The life and world of Al Capone by John Kobler

3) Mr. Capone by Robert J. Schoenberg.

Amazon has a a great selection. One important thing to note. Do not base your decision entirely on reviews posted on Amazon. Some of the reviewers are flakey at best. I have seen first hand how some authors manipulate the reviews by having honest negative reviews removed leaving nothing but sweet smelling positive reviews posted by friends and on the same token, some reviewers bash a book merely because they have no social standing in life.

Always make an informed decision. Also remember that liking something is really a personal choice.

My positive reviews are based on

1) How good the research is.

2) How accurate the info.

3) What new info it contributes to my knowledge base.

5) Was it fun to read.

Q: How come you don't have a bio on this gangster? He's my favorite.

A: Bios work only if I have info and photos to work with. I prefer personal stuff usually supplied by relatives. An another thing is time. This is my hobby and I can only consecrate a certain amount of time to it.

Q: What are your sources and bibliography for your sites content?

A: I do my uptmost to rely on only the best and accurate info of all possible sources.

Old Chicago newspapers and clippings, top notch Chicago historians, authors and crimebuffs who help sift the truth from the many documents, FBI files,1930 crime magazines of the day, reputed Capone bios, documents, Police files, and most importantly of all, knowledgeable gangster family members and relatives. They help give a full dimension of their famous relatives. I also want to point out that I hold an immense respect for, and I'm very thankful to, the many contributors to this site. People like Joe Walters, Larry Raeder, Bill Helmer, Josh Perry, Doug Snyder, Jenny Floro Khalaf, Bill Emblom, Steve Dunn and many, many others. They contribute their time, photos and info to help make this site as great as it is.

Q: Where can I go to see all these gangster sites

From Chicago's Prohibition era to Chicago's later mobsters, be sure to contact John Binder at wsidejack@yahoo.com

He can take even take you on a custom tour not normally shown by others. For the beginner or the real serious gangster buff.

Untouchable tours run by Craig Alton. Tongue and cheek basic tour.

No tour but a Dinner Show featuring gangsters and flappers.

If ghosts and the paranormal are your thing.

Q: You have many grammer mistakes on your site. Don't you use an editor?

A: Ah yes! Don't we all wish the world was perfect in every way! I work alone and do my best to catch most of my mistakes. I am not a writer or an english scholar. I do this for free and cannot pay an editor to clean my garbled jargon and scribblings. I'm a linguistic mutt and sometimes mix my french English, Italian and Portuguese. I decided from the get go that I would present this site without any flashiness and include all the warts. (Grammer mistakes and all). To those whom it irritates, I apologise. I'm sure there's some Shakespearean sites out there for you to visit and indulge in. I think that all in all, the site is at least readable to most.

Will be adding more as time permits!


	My Al Capone Museum \| home MY AL CAPONE MUSEUM \| F.A.Q.'S \| Al Capone's Personal Telephone \| Al Capone's Personal Straw Boater \| Al Capone Framed Signature \| Al Capone's light fixtures \| Al Capone's Silver Tray \| SVD Massacre bullet fragments \| Interesting items retrieved from Al Capone's Lexington office suite and hallway \| Alton Hotel Relics \| 7244 Prairie Avenue \| 93 Palm Avenue \| 93 Palm Avenue Part 2 \| 93 Palm Avenue Part 3 \| 93 Palm Avenue Part 4 \| New 93 Palm Avenue home \| New Palm Avenue home Part 2 \| Artifacts from 93 Palm Avenue \| The Capone era Cicero, Illinois \| The Four Deuces (2222 South Wabash) \| Al Capone's Bathroom Tile From The Lexington Hotel \| Inside The Lexington Hotel \| Geraldo's Capone Vault Grand Opening \| Lexington's Destruction \| X Marks the Spot magazine \| Capone Magazines and Booklets \| Capone Videos \| Capone Books \| Knick Knacks \| Capone's Chicago \| Chicago photos \| Capone Documents \| Capone Photographs \| Capone Photographs 2 \| Capone Photographs 3 \| My History channel Shoot \| Gravesites \| Gravesites 2 \| Capone at the Ballpark \| Al Capone's Funeral \| The St. Valentine's Day Massacre \| The Massacre Pt.2 \| Massacre Victim's Stats. \| Massacre News blurbs \| Some Theories on the Valentine Massacre \| Discounted Valentine Massacre theories \| Valentine Killers? \| The St. Valentine's Day Massacre Wall bricks \| The St. Valentine Massacre guns today \| The Infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre forensic evidence \| The Adonis Social Club Incident \| When, Where and How did they die? \| Mugshots \| Gangster facts and side stories \| The Obituaries \| Gangster talk \| Gangster Molls \| William Hale Thompson \| Gangland Armourers \| The Chicago Typewriter \| Gangster Hitspots \| Mae Capone \| Louise Rolfe \| Alberto Anselmi and Giovanni Scalise \| Frank Parker \| William Niemoth \| Jack Guzik \| Samuel "Golf bag"Hunt \| Jake Lingle \| Frankie Yale \| Samoots Ammatuna \| Jack Zuta \| Leo Vincent Brothers \| Edward David Vogel \| Johnny Torrio \| Joe E. Lewis \| Rocco DeGrazia \| Machine Gun Jack McGurn \| Willie Heeney \| James "Fur" Sammons \| Jack "Three fingered" White \| George "Red" Barker \| Anthony "Tough Tony" Capezio \| Frank Nitti \| Dean Charles O'Banion \| Samuel Morton \| George Clarence Moran \| Hymie Weiss \| Vincent "The Schemer" Drucci \| Fred "Killer" Burke \| Fred Goetz \| Joe Aiello \| Edward "Spike" O'Donnell \| The Genna brothers \| Angelo La Mantia \| Frank Rio \| Ragtime Joe Howard \| Hinky Dink and Bathouse John \| Sol Van Praag \| Theodore "The Greek" Anton \| Joseph P. Bergl \| Daniel "Danny" Stanton \| Edward Tancl \| Al Capone's tax trial and downfall \| Al in Jail \| Mario Gomes \| Bill Helmer \| Rose Keefe \| Daniel Waugh \| John J. Binder \| Allan R.May \| Rick Mattix \| Robert Gallo as Al Capone \| Mr. Joe Walters \| Gangster articles \| Newspapers of the day \| Newspapers part Two \| Newspapers Part Three \| Newspapers Part Four \| The Green Mill \| Colosimo's \| Alcatraz \| Alcatraz Part 2 \| Al Capone goes to Baltimore \| Gangster sites today \| Gangster Sites part 2 \| Dead Gangsters \| Origins of the Scars \| Collecting Al Capone? \| The truth about Al Capone's signature \| Al Capone and other Gangster related books \| In Memoriam \| Links \| Contact Me F.A.Q.'S (Frequently asked questions) In order to avoid replying to the same gazillion emails I receive all the time, I'm putting up this webpage. If you don't find the answer here, then you can email your request. First off, some technical Stuff Q: I can't see the photos on your site and sometimes get an error message. Is there something is wrong with your webpage or website? A: Actually, the problem may be at your end and not mine. Make sure you have "Show Pictures" checked in your advanced tab to your internet options. Have your web browser updated with the latest versions of it's files. Other reasons that may cause this problem is too strong firewall settings (Uncheck Web Bugs) or too high internet security zone settings. Those should be at Default level settings. Lastly, this site is to be viewed through high speed internet. Dial up connection may be too slow to show all the many images placed on each page. Try refreshing the web page to correct this. I've tested my site via friends from all over the globe, and on various devices (Computers, laptops and Blackberrys). All reported no problems viewing this site. Capone stuff Q: Where is Sonny Capone? is he still alive? A: Albert Francis Capone passed away on July 8, 2004. Q: Where's his family? A: I'm sorry, but I do not divulge anyone's personal info. Q: Can you give me any Capone relative's phone number? A: No, Many of these relatives have lives and do not wish to be bothered about this stuff. I must respect their privacy and so should you. Surprisingly, most do not have more info than you will find here anyway. Q: Where did Al Capone's family originate from? A: Although I have the answer, I wish to stay away from the genealogy part. To me, it's irrelevant to my site and to Al's becoming a gangster, or the history of Chicago beer wars in general. Al's parents were hardworking people. Here's a hint. If you really want to know about Al's families origins, then you can read about the same town in author Mars Eghigian's excellent book on Frank Nitti. Both families orginated from there. Q: Can you tell me about Sonny's children? Why don't you have info about him or them on your site. A: I will not divulge any info relating to his children. Albert Francis was a great man who treated everyone with respect, whether you were rich or poor. He immensely loved his dad, mom, family and that's as far as I will ever say on here. He was very private and never spoke about his family to others and neither will I. I have immense respect for his memory and his family. Also, important to note : He isn't relevant to Chicago gangsters, which is what this site is really about. Q: I think I'm related to Al Capone can you help me out? A: Sorry, I'm not a genealogist and nor would I have the time. Just because your name is Capone that does not mean you are related to Al Capone. If you are related, you will have proof such as family records, DNA etc... Case in point, one person emailed my Northsider expert friend claiming they were related to George "Bugs" Moran and that they had the name and Irish ancestry to prove it! Guess what? George Moran was an alias. His real name was Adelard Cunin and he was from Minnesota born to a French European dad and a Canadian mother. Not Irish or a Moran at all! Q: I have a school project on Capone can you help me out? A: That's something I used to enjoy doing although time constraints have made me stop. I also got a heads up from a teacher looking down on me helping her students, which made me change my mind about helping with future school projects. She wants them to head down to their local libary and crack the books. Guess you now have to work for the fruits of your labor! Q: Can you give me some of your stuff? A: No, I can't. If I did, there would be nothing left to show here! In reality, this stuff doesn't really belong to anyone. The logic is that I am simply a caretaker of these items for the present moment. After my death, these things will move on elsewhere or to other collectors. Q: How come the Capone personal photos on your site are small and have watermarks in them? A: I had first placed them on the site without watermarks and since have found three instances in which some unsrupulous people have taken these photos and placed them on their site without even seeking my permission. If you see any of the Capone personal family photos from this site on another, rest assured that they were taken without my permission. I just recently had made two cropped inferior copies of a Sonny and Mae photo taken in later years from my collection, which I in turn, offered to two Capone family members as a gift. Surprisingly and sadly, it has now ended up on someone else's site and future book without even asking my permission. While I do not claim copyright on this photo, the original is indeed in my possession and should at least be noted as such. Same with the other two instances; one concerning a photo of Al with Sonny in front of a car on Palm Isle, and another site with a photo from this site of Mae signed by her to her sister Agnes. Some sort of permission and acknowledgement would have been appreciated. Remember, If it weren't for this site, these photos would have never seen the light of day. Q: Can you make me a copy of the Capone family photos? A: No. The reason being is copies will be made on Ebay ad nauseum. If you really desperately want Capone family photos then open your wallet real wide and you can have a chance to buy them at a private auction, through a Capone relative or even on Ebay as was recently the case. Q: Can you sell me some items from your collection? A: I don't sell stuff. If I part with an item, it usually ends up on Ebay or I sell it to a friend whose into this stuff. Q: Can I use photos from your website and link your site? A: I appreciate when someone asks me first. I've noticed a few who took things and link without asking. I see stuff end up here and there and even in the wildest places imaginable. (Selling junk, depravity, crime etc..). Some of this stuff I would never associate myself with, even if I were dead. Some even post them up on their "gangbanger" face book page. While the subject of Al Capone and the Chicago's roaring twenties was a fascinating period, it should not be used as a basis to praise criminals in any way, today or past. It's simply history that can be enjoyed without being repeated. Q: I've noticed a mistake on your site. Can you correct it? A: I put up alot of stuff, but I also receive help from lots of people here (authors, researchers) and you great people out there (Thank-you!). That's why this site is great! We try to bring you the most accurate info out there, culminated from all the books, documents, sources, files, family etc.. There are bound to be mistakes ex: locations etc.. I will gladly take your corrections and personally mull them over and then have my expert assistants check on it, and if it's correct ,you can bet for sure that the mistaken entry will be rectified. Q: Where is Ralph Capone (Al's brother) buried? A: Ralph Capone's ashes have been recently interred with the rest of the Capone family in Mount Carmel cemetary. Q: Was there ever a recording of Al's voice? A: No, there is no known recording of Al's voice. The talking pictures began in 1930 and equipment to make it was very expensive, so chances are Al just missed the time to be recorded. I also don't think Al would ever have wanted to be recorded saying something he couldn't take back. Near the end of his life, great care was made to watch over him in case his pareisis made him spill any mob info. There was no danger as his disease had regressed him somewhat. Q: What did he sound like? A: According to some family members, he spoke in a soft manner almost singing like. This attribute is seen often in Italian families. Q: Did he have an Italian accent? A: Being born in New York, No, he didn't. The only accent he had and lost was his New York accent. Johnny Torrio took Al and refined his rough edges in order to make him a tad more respectable for business dealings. Q: Did Al speak Italian? A: Yes he did! Spoke to his mom in Italian. Q: Is it true that Al once was a boxer's manager? A: Yes it's true! During his early years in Chicago (1923-1924) Al once managed a boxer by the name of Mike Dundee, real name Mike Posateri. It was not uncommon for gangsters, or the underworld to dabble in sports. Johnny Torrio was known as a sportsman back in New York. He had organised many boxing and wrestling matches before settling in Chicago. He also magaged a few in Chicago. Big Jim Colosimo also had dabbled in managing and financially backing boxers. Many gangsters had also been boxers before joining a gang. (Jack McGurn, Spike O'Donnell, Edward Tancl, Theodore Anton etc..). Mike Dundee (Mike Posateri), the Rock Island featherweight, once had Al Capone as his manager. (Newspaper photo supplied by Mr. Bryan Lloyd) Q: What is THE BEST books I can read on Al Capone? A: These three books pretty much paint the complete picture of Al Capone and they are; 1) Al Capone: The biography of a self-made man by Fred D. Pasley. 2) Capone: The life and world of Al Capone by John Kobler 3) Mr. Capone by Robert J. Schoenberg. Amazon has a a great selection. One important thing to note. Do not base your decision entirely on reviews posted on Amazon. Some of the reviewers are flakey at best. I have seen first hand how some authors manipulate the reviews by having honest negative reviews removed leaving nothing but sweet smelling positive reviews posted by friends and on the same token, some reviewers bash a book merely because they have no social standing in life. Always make an informed decision. Also remember that liking something is really a personal choice. My positive reviews are based on 1) How good the research is. 2) How accurate the info. 3) What new info it contributes to my knowledge base. 4) Photos 5) Was it fun to read. Q: How come you don't have a bio on this gangster? He's my favorite. A: Bios work only if I have info and photos to work with. I prefer personal stuff usually supplied by relatives. An another thing is time. This is my hobby and I can only consecrate a certain amount of time to it. Q: What are your sources and bibliography for your sites content? A: I do my uptmost to rely on only the best and accurate info of all possible sources. Old Chicago newspapers and clippings, top notch Chicago historians, authors and crimebuffs who help sift the truth from the many documents, FBI files,1930 crime magazines of the day, reputed Capone bios, documents, Police files, and most importantly of all, knowledgeable gangster family members and relatives. They help give a full dimension of their famous relatives. I also want to point out that I hold an immense respect for, and I'm very thankful to, the many contributors to this site. People like Joe Walters, Larry Raeder, Bill Helmer, Josh Perry, Doug Snyder, Jenny Floro Khalaf, Bill Emblom, Steve Dunn and many, many others. They contribute their time, photos and info to help make this site as great as it is. Q: Where can I go to see all these gangster sites A: http://www.oprfgangstertour.com/ From Chicago's Prohibition era to Chicago's later mobsters, be sure to contact John Binder at wsidejack@yahoo.com He can take even take you on a custom tour not normally shown by others. For the beginner or the real serious gangster buff. http://www.gangstertour.com Untouchable tours run by Craig Alton. Tongue and cheek basic tour. http://www.tommygunsgarage.com/ No tour but a Dinner Show featuring gangsters and flappers. http://www.weirdchicago.com/ If ghosts and the paranormal are your thing. Q: You have many grammer mistakes on your site. Don't you use an editor? A: Ah yes! Don't we all wish the world was perfect in every way! I work alone and do my best to catch most of my mistakes. I am not a writer or an english scholar. I do this for free and cannot pay an editor to clean my garbled jargon and scribblings. I'm a linguistic mutt and sometimes mix my french English, Italian and Portuguese. I decided from the get go that I would present this site without any flashiness and include all the warts. (Grammer mistakes and all). To those whom it irritates, I apologise. I'm sure there's some Shakespearean sites out there for you to visit and indulge in. I think that all in all, the site is at least readable to most. Will be adding more as time permits!