Author Archives: Sally J. Ling

About Sally J. Ling

Fascinating but little known history is all around us. I write historical fiction and nonfiction about remarkable events in Florida's history. Please join me for a fascinating ride.

Al Capone’s Miami: Paradise or Purgatory?

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Sally J. Ling

IT’S HERE!! Most have heard of Alphonse Gabriele “Al” Capone, also known as “Scarface,” who rose to become the undisputed king of the Chicago mob during the Prohibition era. Mostknow he became one of America’s most infamous gangsters and earned … Continue reading →

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New “Let’s Talk Prohibition” Page

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Sally J. Ling

Check out my new “Let’s Talk Prohibition” page. A way for you to comment on one of America’s most infamous eras.

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The Notorious Ashley Gang

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Sally J. Ling

The Ashley Gang was a notorious band of robbers and murderers that ran roughshod over South Florida during the Prohibition era. Many of the gang was from the same family. They concentrated on robbing banks, but when Prohibition started they … Continue reading →

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Rum Runners vs the Coast Guard

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Sally J. Ling

The Coast Guard had been handed a formidable task—halt the smuggling of liquor into the U.S. In the early years of Prohibition, the U.S. Coast Guard was significantly understaffed and ill equipped with an assortment of patrol boats, launches, harbor tugs … Continue reading →

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Smuggler’s Tales

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Sally J. Ling

It was the Roaring Twenties. The Volstead Act (Prohibition) put an end to Grandpa’s after-work gin and tonic and Great Aunt Milli’s Manhattan at her private country club. Yet imbibers of hard liquors would not be denied. In Chicago, Al … Continue reading →

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William “Bill” McCoy – The Real McCoy

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Sally J. Ling

William “Bill” McCoy was born in Syracuse, New York in 1877. As a young boy, his father often entranced him with tales of naval war stores from his Civil War service. Upon moving to Philadelphia, McCoy recalled: “I started nosing about the … Continue reading →

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Documentary – Prohibition and the South Florida Connection

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Sally J. Ling

On Friday, November 4, at 9:00 P.M. WLRN (PBS TV in Miami) aired the documentary “Prohibition and the South Florida Connection.” Steve Waxman did a fabulous job of producing this intriguing story using Run the Rum In as a catalyst for … Continue reading →

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Nassau – Wall Street of the Illegal Booze Trade

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Sally J. Ling

When one walked down the streets of Nassau during the Prohibition era, he or she saw store fronts, like shoe or clothing stores, crowding the streets. Dangling signs touted the distillary or supplier the proprietor represented, and inside deals were … Continue reading →

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Marie Waite – Fascinating Women of the Prohibition Era

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Sally J. Ling

While it is true the Prohibition era was dominated by men, the truth is, there were several women, some famous and some infamous, some on the side of the law and some outside the law, that played very prominent roles. This is … Continue reading →

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