POLICE/IRS AGENTS RAID GREEK POKER PARTY AT ZAPPELON RESTAURANT
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 14, 1923, the Evening Star reports "one of the biggest poker raids in Washington for years took place early last evening when police (and IRS agents)...descended on a big celebration of the Greek New Year's eve*."
The celebration was underway at the Zappelon restaurant, 816 H. Street NW, around 8 p.m. Police found 68 Greeks "making merry with cards and chips" in the rear of the restaurant.
The proprietor, James James, was taken into custody along with "the entire party," and hauled off to police headquarters in three patrol wagons.
Mr. James was charged with operating a gambling house.
*Greek New Year is celebrated in the Greek Orthodox tradition on January 14th. The date for the GNY comes from the Georgian calendar.
SOURCE
"Poker Raids Nets 68 In New Year Fete," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., January 14, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
