George C. Parker
George C. Parker (* 1870, † 1936) was an American impostor and forger. Because of his approach, he is still regarded as one of the most blatant crook in the history of the United States. He earned his livelihood with the "sale" of New York City landmarks to unwary and naive tourists or immigrants. His favorite subject was the impressive Brooklyn Bridge, which he sold over the years about twice a week. He convinced his "clients" that they could do with the bridge toll a fortune. More than once had to intervene, the police tried to build a new "owner" on the bridge toll booths.
Criminal career
In addition to the Brooklyn Bridge Parker offered the multi-purpose sports arena Madison Square Garden, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the General Grant National Memorial (the national monument to the commander of the U.S. Army in the American Civil War, Ulysses Simpson Grant, 1822-1885 ), and of course even the Statue of Liberty for sale.
Parker had many different selling methods. When he sold the Grant Memorial, he pretended to be his grandson. He even had his own office to create a serious impression with his real estate swindles and he was impressive documents - which he had forged by hand - to provide in order to prove that he was indeed the rightful owner of the property for sale. He also sold with success several shows and plays, without it to have any property rights.
- Madison Square Garden (1907 )
- Metropolitan Museum of Art ( 1914)
- General Grant National Memorial
- The Statue of Liberty ( painting by Edward Moran )
Convictions
Parker was convicted of fraud three times. After his third conviction the end of 1928, a judge sentenced him McLaughlin called the Court of Kings County to life in prison in Sing Sing, where Parker spent the last eight years of his life.
He was equally popular, he entertained with stories of his racketeering under the guards and the inmates.
Public perception
Parker is considered one of the most successful impostor in the history of the United States, as well as one of the most talented forger of all time. His " exploits " found its way into popular culture, which led to sentences like " ... and if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you" ( " ... and if you believe that, I can still sell a Bridge") has, which means that someone is extremely naive and gullible.
1937, a year after the death of Parker, the American comedy film Every Day 's a Holiday appeared with Mae West in the lead role. The film takes the theme of the crafty bridge on sale and West plays the role of the trickster Peaches O'Day, 1899 using her charms to a naive man of the Brooklyn Bridge for 200 U.S. Dollars - ". One bridge in good condition " with receipt (, dt ". A bridge in good condition " ) - for sale.