Tag: New York

The Conviction of John Gotti

2nd April 1992

On this day, the American mafioso, John Gotti, was convicted of five murders, conspiracy to commit murder, racketeering, obstruction of justice, tax evasion, illegal gambling, extortion and loansharking. As boss of the Gambino family in New York, Gotti was one of the most powerful and dangerous criminals in the United States. Known as The Dapper Don for his expensive clothes and outspoken personality in front of news cameras, he was later given the nickname The Teflon Don* after three high-profile trials in the 1980s resulted in acquittals. It later transpired that the trials had been tainted by jury tampering and witness intimidation. On hearing the sentence on 2nd April, James Fox of the FBI announced at a press conference, “The Teflon is gone. The don is covered with Velcro, and all the charges stuck.“

*in inglese le accuse che vanno a buon fine si “appiccicano” al accusato; altrimenti scivolano via.

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The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

25th March 1911

On this day, a fire broke out in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory on the eighth floor of the Asch building in New York killing 146 people, mostly young immigrant women working long hours for poor pay in deplorable working conditions. The flames, fed by copious cotton and paper waste, quickly spread up to the top two floors of the building. Fire-brigade ladders were only able to reach six floors, and the building’s overloaded fire escape soon collapsed. Many workers, trapped by doors that had been locked to prevent theft, leapt from windows to their deaths. The tragedy quickly led to the creation of the Factory Investigating Commission and the passing of more than 30 health and safety laws, including factory fire codes and child labour restrictions.

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First New York Celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day

17th March 1756

On this day, the first recorded celebration of Saint Patrick’s day took place at the Crown & Thistle tavern in New York. The celebration was to become a long-standing tradition in the city and reflected the growing presence and influence of Irish immigrants fleeing economic hardship in their own country and seeking new opportunities in the New World. Originally a religious feast day commemorating the life of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, March 17th gradually grew into a major cultural event in New York City, featuring parades and public festivities and providing a platform for Irish immigrants to assert their cultural presence and foster a sense of community in their new homeland.

Leggi della vita di Saint Patrick QUI
(con un esercizio true/false)

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