From the Fall/Winter 2011 Hometown Heritage bulletin of the FoxLake-Grant Township Area Historical Society.
The Chain of Lakes here in northeastern Illinois has a long history of being a destination of gambling and drinking, even before the village incorporated in 1907. So, it was no big surprise to find that certain Chicago gangland sorts made their way out to the area, including Al Capone and his rival George "Bugs" Moran.
The two rivals supplied beer and alcohol throughout the Chain of Lakes region. The mobsters personal hideouts and speakeasies were located all over the lakes. Since they were competing for the same business, it is no surprise this led to violence.
It exploded June 1, 1930 when machine gun-toting gangsters carried out a hit at the Manning Hotel in Fox Lake (on Pistakee Lake). Five persons, including members of the Capone-allied Druggan gang were shot and three died.
This took place just one year after the more famous St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago. There were several witnesses, but the crime was never solved.
The Manning Hotel still stands today, but is a private home. I've heard that there are still bullet holes in the wall where the bar used to be, but have never been inside. Interestingly enough, it is located next door to the K.K. Hamsher Funeral Home.
No Copper's Gonna Get Me. Y'hear? --DaCoot
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