The Paul Kelly Gang

Paolo Antonio Vaccarelli aka Paul Kelly was a notorious gang leader in New York City beginning in the 1890s. The son of Italian immigrants he legally changed his name to Paul Kelly when he became involved in political and labor issues that concerned the Irish population of the city. Kelly propped up crooked politicians like Big Tim Sullivan by rigging elections in their favor. In return the pols protected the gangs by ensuring them that police would not disturb their activities. Gangs were caught up in helping management break strikes through protecting scab labor, etc. Kelly ran a saloon on Grand Street that was central to his gang operations. Formerly called the New Brighton the establishment was later known as Little Naples.