Preserving and Presenting the History of Northeast Philadelphia since 1905

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF FRANKFORD

THE CENTER FOR NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA HISTORY

America’s Legendary Kensington & Allegheny (K&A) Second Story Men

 Allen M Hornblum

Author

“Confessions of a Second Story Man – Junior Kripplebauer and the K & A Gang”

Tuesday, 10 April 2012; 7:30pm

Historical Society of Frankford

1507 Orthodox Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124

www.frankfordhistoricalsociety.org   215-743-6030

Author Hornblum will not only present a fascinating insider’s look at the perils of writing a book about a culture of crime – but has invited several of the now retired K & A denizens featured in his book to participate in sharing their history-making exploits.    

“From the 1950’s to the 1970’s, throughout the United States, the ragtag crew known as the K & A Gang robbed wealthy suburban neighborhoods with assembly line skills.  It was hard to imagine a more unlikely crew of successful thieves, writes Allen Hornblum.  (They were) two-fisted, beer-guzzling, ear- and nose-biting hoodlums from a blue collar section of Philadelphia called Kensington. The gang infuriated homeowners and baffled police up and down the east coast.  Confessions of a Second Story Man follows the gang as they move in and out of homes, courtrooms, and prisons, and even go on the run.  Hornblum describes the transformation of the K & A Gang from a group of blue collar thieves to their work in conjunction with numerous organized crime families and their role in making Philadelphia the meth capitol of the nation.  This will be a compelling presentation about a fascinating bunch of hoodlums.”

The legendary Kensington & Allegheny “second story” men of the 1950-70’s were nationally known for their “art of burglary” – from Boca Raton to Bar Harbor.  Northeast Philadelphia’s Allen M Hornblum, Assistant Professor, Temple University Department of Geography/Urban Studies, reveals the challenges that come with writing about these notorious area denizens.

 The monthly public membership meetings of the Historical Society of Frankford, established in 1905, are held in its own Museum and Library, built in 1930.  Attendees have the opportunity to enjoy the Society’s collections and exhibitions and learn something new each month.  Following the program, light refreshments are served so participants and presenters can refresh and exchange ideas on the topic.

If you can imagine a man living around Kindred and Castor as a spy that was known throughout the world, you have a great imagination but its true.  Allen Hornblum (author of  “The Invisible harry Gold: The Man Who Gave the Soviets the Atom Bomb“) mesmerized the  crowd back on May 14th at the Historical Society of Frankford as he spun the tale of an ordinary man who did a very bad thing.  A Philadelphia guy who got into industrial espionage in the thirties when he was recruited by the Soviets.  He was so unassuming that you would never suspect he was a key player in the plot to steal the secrets of the Aomic bomb by the Soviet Union.

In the end he repented, confessed and went to prison.  Others conspirators denied the truth until the end.  Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed in 1953.  Don’t ever pass up an opportunity to see Allen Hornblum in person.  He tells a great story.

The HSF has another great program coming up in a few weeks.  On June 14th they will be having their annual Antique and Collectible Appraisal fundraiser.  Appraisals will only cost $8.00 per item and it is a fundraiser for the Society so it is money well spent.  Watch the Gazette for details.

Preserving and Presenting the History of Northeast Philadelphia