Life and Crimes of John Looney

An upcoming presentation on “The Life and Crimes of John Looney, Notorious Early 20th Century Quad City Gangster” to be presented by Roger Ruthhart, co-author of “Citadel of Sin: The John Looney Story” has proven to be so popular that the event has sold out!  However, the good news is that Mr. Ruthhart has agreed to present the program a second time on Friday afternoon, October 15, at 2:30 p.m. at the Quad-City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois.

Join us as we learn more about John Looney’s story.  He was not just locally known, but rather, he ran a nationwide crime organization from Rock Island. We will learn the notorious history of one of the nation’s biggest crime bosses. Looney’s crime organization ruled Rock Island, the Quad-Cities and much of the rest of the country in the era of the teens and early 1920’s. Looney controlled protection, gambling, illegal liquor, prostitution, stolen cars and more through his crime organization.

This in-person presentation on a fascinating time in Rock Island’s history is one of a series of various programs offered by Black Hawk College’s Professional and Continuing Education (“PaCE”) department. Coffee, beverages and assorted pastries will be served at 2:30 p.m. for your enjoyment during the program.  The $15 registration fee includes the program, refreshments, and general admission to the Quad-City Botanical Center.  There is convenient on-site free parking.  Advance registration is required.

Call the PaCE Department at 309-796-8223 weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. during the week of October 4 to register over the phone for this program using a credit card for payment.