Hot Off the Press (Release): Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. Opens at Rittenhouse

By PW Staff
Add Comment Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jun. 16, 2009

Sure, sure, the word "mortgage" has taken on a nasty ring in the last year while the economy has tanked. Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co. wants to take that awful taste out of your mouth -- and replace it with one of your favorite cocktails. The press release:

The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., known for being the center for the largest alcohol ring in the country during the prohibition era, is re-opening as a historic and refreshing addition to the nightlife scene in Philadelphia. In June, Philadelphia will experience what a bar used to look like in the early 1900s. The Franklin bar menu will showcase pre-prohibition era cocktails, adding a little change and excitement to Philly nightlife.

In the late 1920’s, The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company served as the front for the largest alcohol ring in the United States. During prohibition, Max “Boo Boo” Hoff and his cronies ran about 10,000 gallons a day via truck, train and bus.

According to Parry Desmond, who is presently researching the life of Max “Boo Boo” Hoff, “In just one three month period, 350,000 gallons of denatured alcohol were transported from the Publicker plant in South Philadelphia by the Reading Railroad in large drums marked ‘tar’ and ‘asphaltum.’ After it was processed, the alcohol was bottled and fictitiously labeled as ‘hair oil’ or ‘perfume’.”

Operating from The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. in Philadelphia, Boo Boo became one of the country’s richest gangsters. His operation dwarfed even that of Al Capone’s.

Philadelphia, in just a few weeks, get ready to enjoy the good life in a place where Boo Boo once hosted elaborate parties with famous entertainers and star athletes. Come check out where cocktails are once again an art on June 18.  The Franklin is located on 112 S. 18th Street in Rittenhouse Square.

Add to favoritesAdd to Favorites PrintPrint Send to friendSend to Friend

COMMENTS

ADD COMMENT

Rate:
(HTML and URLs prohibited)
User Guidelines