Typed copies of observations, recorded by undercover investigators hired by the United States Navy, of 31 Charleston establishments with suspected vice problems including prostitution, the illegal sale of alcohol and narcotics, and other violations. These reports were later submitted to the Charleston Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Henry W. Lockwood and are referenced in the minutes of a meeting held on October 1, 1941, in Admiral William Henry Allen's office. Establishments investigated include Lotti's Place, the Acme Beer Parlor, the American Beer Parlor, Atlantic Lunch, the Casino, the Downtown Chili Shop, Harold's Tavern, Hollywood Inn, the Flag Tap Room, Izzy's Tavern, Jimmie's Place, Kates Lunch Room, Lee's Grill, L-P Cafe, Manhattan Restaurant, Mike's Beer Parlor, Mitch's Lunch Room, M. and R. Lunch Room, Little Atlantic, the V Lunch, Taxi Cabs in Charleston, the Plaza Lunch Room, Robert's Tavern, the R-W Sandwich Shop, Safety Harbor, Sevilla Beer Parlor, Ship's Inn, Spooks Tavern, the Tavern, Town Tavern, and Uneeda Lunch Room.
A letter from Navy Yard Intelligence Officer Lieutenant Ernest Burwell to Governor Burnet R. Maybank thanking the Governor for his cooperation with Admiral William Henry Allen concerning efforts to clean up the Charleston vice problem. A two-page typed letter, written by Admiral William Henry Allen, urging the President of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Henry J. Mann, to make efforts to clean up the severe vice problem afflicting the city of Charleston including illegal prostitution, gambling, and the sale of alcohol and drugs. The Admiral cites the need to preserve Charleston as an important shipping and naval base. Also included is a a three-page typed explanation and justification of order No. 14-40, given by Admiral William Henry Allen, which declared parts of Charleston "out of bounds" to all Navy personnel visiting the city due to vice problems.
In this two-page typed order, Admiral William Henry Allen orders 24 Charleston establishments listed as "out of bounds" to personnel of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The establishments listed are the Sevilla Beer Parlor, Lotti's Place, Town Tavern, Ship's Inn, Uneeda Lunch Room, Flag Tap Room, Atlantic Lunch Room, Downtown Chili Shop, Izzy's Tavern, Jimmie's Place, Harold's Tavern, Kozy Lunch Room, Mitch's Lunch Room, The V Lunch, American Beer Parlor, Manhattan Restaurant, Kato's Lunch Room, Lee's Grill, The Casino, Hollywood Inn, Spook's Taven, M & R Lunch Room, Mikes Beer Parlor, and Plaza Lunch Room.
An excerpt, printed on a sheet of copy paper, taken from a letter sent by Admiral William Henry Allen to Senator Burnet R. Maybank concerning the effort to cleanup the vice problem in the city of Charleston. Attached to the copy paper are a number of newspaper clippings concerning reports of criminal activity in Charleston. These newspaper clippings can be found in the physical collection held by the College of Charleston.
Correspondence concerning a request by Senator Burnet R. Maybank to Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox that further investigations be made into vice conditions in Charleston to see if there have been any improvements.
Two copies of telegrams from Federal Security Agency Administrator Paul V. McNutt informing Governor Burnet R. Maybank of a government program targeting vice and prostitution affecting United States Army Camps. Also included is a brief response sent by Maybank and a telegram instructing South Carolina sheriff offices to support the program.
Correspondence concerning the declaration of parts of Charleston as "out of bounds" to United States military personnel. Mayor Lockwood felt that he was personally under attack and requested the aide of Senator Maybank. Also attached is a copy of a letter from Admiral William Henry Allen to Mayor Lockwood stating that he had restricted general liberty to all enlisted men in Charleston for one week due to their violation of the previous "out of bounds" restrictions.
Correspondence concerning protests by Charleston citizens against the city’s failure to clean up the vice situation in Charleston. Also mentioned are attached newspaper clippings that can be found in the physical collection held by the College of Charleston.
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Senator Burnet R. Maybank Papers, 1914-1973✖[remove]8
