Founding Footsteps is Launching The Philly Mob Tour Featuring Stories of Prohibition Era Organized Crime, Speakeasies, and Notorious Figures
Philly is rich in history but not all of it was taught in classrooms growing up, especially when it comes to the world of organized crime. Now Founding Footsteps, home of the Jolly Trolley, the original holiday lights tour, and the PhillyTrue Crime Tour, is launching the city’s first ever Philly Mob Tour.
That’s right, venture into Philly’s underworld during the prohibition era and learn about key figures and places that shaped that era, including war hero and Director of Public Safety Smedley Butler as well as notorious bootleggers such as Max “Boo Boo” Hoff.
Starting February 27th and running until the end of March, guests will get to explore hidden corners and historic landmarks as expert guides reveal thrilling stories of mob bosses, bootleggers, and lawmen locked in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Learn how Philly’s underworld thrived during Prohibition, uncovering the secrets of illegal liquor trade, underground bars, and the rise of infamous crime families.
Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast or a history buff, this tour offers an unprecedented glimpse into a darker, wilder side of Philadelphia that few get to see. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the city’s most scandalous era.
This BYOB tour is 21+ and contains graphic and disturbing content. Tickets are available now at FoundingFootsteps.com.
NOTABLE STOPS WILL INCLUDE:
Benjamin Franklin Hotel (819-843 Sansom Street) : Formerly the Continental House, the hotel’s former proprietor Edward Skinner was incarcerated for possession and sale of intoxicating liquor. The hotel is also the site where former President-Elect Abraham Lincoln arrived in Philadelphia on his way to Washington to give his inaugural speech.
The 21 Club (1321 Locust Street): Now the Clarence B Moore House, this hotel operated buy Hoff; stones throw away from Picadilly Club which he owned with Charles Schwartz and Samuel Lazar
Hotel Sylvania (1324 Locust Street): The Arts Condominiums is the location where bootlegger and gambler Max Hoff rented office space on the 2nd floor
Bankers Trust Building (1313 Walnut Street): The location where public accountant records seized revealing police payment and protection of reputed bootleggers.
Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company (112 S. 18th Street): Operated by bootlegger Max Hoff, it managed revenue from his bootlegging ventures
Italian Market: This area was a hotbed for turf wars and gang fights including one in 1936 where the boss of the Philly Mob, John Avena and bodyguard Martin Feldstein were murdered in a drive by. Then on New Years Eve 1936, bootlegger and mobster Pius Lanzetta was murdered at Joe Grimm’s luncheonette (8th and Fitzwater)
