Centerville-Washington History February Speaker Series Program

Monthly Speaker Series

JOIN US on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 @ 7 pm at RecPlex West for “The Rise and Fall of George Remus – ‘America’s First Millionaire Bootlegger’” by Mike Williams.

George Remus, America’s first millionaire bootlegger, was a Chicago lawyer who identified loopholes in the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act. He moved to Cincinnati to establish his operation and quickly became extremely wealthy, using a network of bribes that reached the U.S. Attorney General’s office. Ultimately, he was brought down by a handful of officials who refused to be bribed. After serving three years in prison, Remus returned in 1927 and infamously gunned down his turncoat wife in broad daylight. He represented himself in court and achieved an acquittal that stunned the nation. Teacher and local historian Mike Williams invites you to meet the real Remus, the man who some believe served as one of the models for The Great Gatsby.

Mike Williams is an English and Social Studies teacher who is also an adjunct history instructor at UD and Sinclair. He has had history articles published in American History, Timeline, World War II History, Echoes, and the online History News Network.

This FREE presentation is open to the public. Reservations are not required. Donations welcome. Enjoy refreshments starting at 6:30 pm and the program from 7-8 pm in the auditorium. For more information, call Centerville-Washington History at 937-433-0123 or visit This free event will start with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m. Donations are welcome. Reservations are not required. RecPlex West is located at 965 Miamisburg Centerville Rd.

*NOTE -- Please enter on the south side of the building using the east doors closest to the theater—park between the Subaru dealership and the building for the shortest walk. Or enter via the Joyce Young Center and walk through to the theater.

Links & Tags

Washington Township Rec Plex

Centerville-Washington History February Speaker Series Program is taking place at Washington Township Rec Plex, which is located at 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road in Dayton. Washington Township Rec Plex - Formerly the Washington Township Recreation. We offer a variety of programs included classes (Aquatic Lessons, Art, Fitness, Preschool, Sports Classes and Acting Lessons) along with Leagues and Camps.

Centerville-Washington History.

Centerville-Washington History - The mission of Centerville-Washington History is to connect the community to its heritage by collecting, preserving, interpreting and promoting the history of our local area.