John Dillinger's Shoot Out in St. Paul Apartments!

[@brentgardner5103]

Another great video, Jeff!! The newspaper story about the reclusive widow who died in poverty but had an estate worth $240,000 really caught my attention. That would be over $5,000,000.

[@haroldnelson3734]

It is great to see you branching out to the farther corners of the USA to feature such amazing historical events. You actually reported from inside the apartment building where Dillinger stayed and had a shootout! Wow!!

[@jbenziggy]

It was a thrill to be there! Can you imagine what the tenants in that place were doing? Ducking for cover?

[@ralphromeo7066]

Dillinger going toe to toe with FBI agents to his demise. I like the trip upstairs as you were winded when hitting the top. I love the realism, Jeff.

[@bradreinhardt1358]

Thanks for all of the locations that help to round out the story. Everyone knows about Dillinger's demise at the theater, but your efforts in photos, documents, and places make a book out of a front page headline. Bravo!

[@albertwells8503]

Dillinger’s right hand man was Homer Van Meter. According to my mother, she was a 2nd cousin of Van Meter. She met him once, and rode in her uncle’s car to Chicago to pick him up and bring him to Ft. Wayne. At the time, she had no idea he was wanted by the FBI, and knew nothing about his connection to Dillinger. I was never able to confirm any of this, but my mom told me that story, then never mentioned it again. Van Meter is buried at Lindenwood Cemetery in Ft. Wayne.

[@tomfields3682]

He was shot to death by the St. Paul police at University and Rice St

[@irishgip71]

Yet again, Perfect timing. Anything Dillinger era is interesting! Thanks for taking us along sir and To all fellow vets. Past and present. Bless you all on the Memorial Day weekend.

[@DavidNiehaus20]

Jeff would you fufill my suggestion by visiting the grave of John philip sousa please and you are the sweetest kindest most special guy on youtube♥️♥️

[@SADFORIAN]

For some reason, I assumed JD was a lot older than he was when he was 'active' (born in 1903). I frequently drive north on Lexington home to avoid the freeway traffic, and seeing that old apartment and recalling its history always gives me a smile. Great video.

[@jbenziggy]

Dillinger certainly looked a lot older than he really was. I think that’s true of many folks back then. I look at my parent’s yearbook and think to myself, these teenagers look 25 years old! lol Glad you appreciate the history up there in Minnesota! Such a lovely state!

[@Patriot218S]

I’m an historian and always like delving into the dirty 30’s. Public Enemies is one of my favorite movies.

[@zcam1969]

Jimmy Caknee and Boogie

[@jamescorlett5272]

Way over the top with the cop killing but yeah it is a film .

[@Patriot218S]

@@jamescorlett5272 Well Baby Face Nelson still holds the record for most federal agents killed which is 26.

[@jamescorlett5272]

@zcam1969 26 dead on the spot but your forgetting the law men who went on to meet their maker years after just taking a look at Baby Faces mugshot .

[@janetceniza8091]

husband speaking age 81 Not quite old enough to have lived through those exciting times. This was an interesting little peak into a small chapter of his life - his last few months and his girl friend was lucky to have survived. Coffee and Jeff in the morning - raining now in Everett, Wa.

[@jbenziggy]

Too bad it’s raining on you. We are on day 2 of seeing sunny Yosemite! Thanks for watching this video with us!

[@marydilley4455]

My mother was 5 years old and living in St Paul at the time of this incident. Thanks again for a great eoisode of history. Learning about crime history has become a new interest for us!

[@WildWestGal]

My grandfather saw Dillinger rob a bank in Sioux Falls, SD. He was walking near the bank and saw them pull and go. Grandpa went across the street and waited to see what would happen... they robbed the bank and made a successful getaway. Jeff, this was an excellent docu, yet again! Well done!!! I love St. Paul, it's a beautiful town. I had no idea about this story. But then, being a native Californian, why would I? lol Looking forward to next weeks adventure with Jeff!

[@bartgoins1782]

Another great history lesson. Thanks Jeff and Sarah. I was kind of shocked when you showed his car sitting out in the elements, along with that other one.

[@privatepilot4064]

Was the guy that let you in aware of the history of where he lived? Great video Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

Yes he knew about it!!

[@thetraveler2561]

Born and lived in and worked in Chicago all my life. I find any Dillinger, Capone or other gangster stories from the 20's and 30's fascinating . That building in St Paul is nicely maintained love where those old transom windows were above the doors on each unit. Nicely done Jeff.

[@jbenziggy]

Great comments! Thanks!

[@alanatolstad4824]

I appreciate the fact that you and Sarah were there on a sad voyage of Good-bye, and made that trip one of discovery to soften the sadness.

[@slink1957]

Nailed it Jeff! Better than 60 minutes! Bravo-Well Done!

[@tillitrueheart971]

Wow, what a great video, taking us directly into history! I’ve seen documentaries take you to the theater where he was killed but never his apartment and the circumstances that happened there. Great job. Thank you so much!

[@californiahiker9616]

Enjoyable episode! How nice you could get into the apartment building! A long time ago I saw the 1973 movie Dillinger. It starred Warren Oates and Michelle Phillips. Michelle was one of 4 singers in the 1960’s folk-rock band The Mamas and the Papas (California Dreaming, Monday Monday). After the group disbanded she became an actress. The car you showed (or one like it) was used in the movie and in publicity photos. Thank you, Jeff, well done!

[@suzannecrum9702]

Dillinger has always been fascinating to me.Thanks for this cool story and places!

[@unnecessaryroughness4681]

I live 20 minutes from Dillingers grave and 45 minutes from Mooresville, Indiana. Dillinger is still mentioned even in today's era. Great video as always Jeff. Thanks Jeff, Greenfield, Indiana

[@denisesmith2745]

WOW, Jeff!!!! This was fantastic!!! I’m so glad to see you this evening in here. You just have the gift and talent to take us right there with you. I wasn’t aware of Dillinger’s background at all. Thank you, Jeff!!! Say hello to Sarah and your handsome son for me!❤❤❤

[@johnvoorhees7881]

Wow! I didn't know the history. Another good one, Jeff! Cheers 🍻

[@TravisWhite-m3r]

Watching your videos adds to my bucket list. The shoot out coverage, seeing inside where it took place, this story was informative, educational, and very intriguing. Well rounded story that keeps people that love history enrapture. Again Jeff, super work, thanks for the video.

[@jbenziggy]

I thank you very much for those nice and generous words! I think this location was perfect for my audience and I hope everyone watches!

[@DianaTx361]

Awesome video Jeff 👏 You really bring history to life!

[@damonthomas8556]

I love all your History stories

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that, Damon and thank you for letting me know!!

[@luckylady7542]

You did an outstanding job researching this episode. You always make your topics so interesting and entertaining. Thank you ❤

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much! It’s a labor of love for me (Jeff).

[@nhdenver7883]

Great episode, Jeff! Thanks as always!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LaVaqueraMarin]

REALLY NEAT! THANK YOU SO MUCH. KEEP IT COMING!!!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you! Will do!

[@disco07]

Howdy! Grew up around these types of apartment buildings. Many had multiple stairwells and entrances/exits. Some you could get lost in. Great video!

[@zarrennerraz7723]

...and just when you think you've heard it all. Thanks to both you and Sara for this piece of history generally overlooked.

[@AB-ye7bw]

Outstanding episode! Thank you 🙏

[@conniephillips8217]

Thank you so much for having a video about my neck of the woods! I grew up not too far from where the filming was done in a big victory in the house. I loved every minute of living there! A great video with great and detailed details.

[@davidkulczyk678]

my uncle's uncle was Martin Zarkovich, East Chicago police sergeant. He allegedly assassinated Dillinger, but it was actually a look-alike Jimmy Lawrence. Zarkovich gave Dillinger the gun at Crown Point jail. Zarkovich ended up being chef of police. My grandfather was friends with Dillinger and his gang hung out in his store in East Chicago. check out the book the Dillinger Dossier by Jay Robert Nash

[@LordVikingLive]

Hey Jeff, Wabasha was also the setting for two of the greatest movies of all time, starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Mathau: Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men. Released 1993 and 1995. You probably knew that, but didn't feel to include it this video. Great work as always. Be seeing ya!

[@jbenziggy]

No, I actually did not know that because I didn’t watch that movie. I tried and it didn’t speak to me.

[@LordVikingLive]

@@jbenziggy Try again, now you are older you might enjoy them. But if you don't like Lemmon and Mathau then it's no use. I love 'em. Seen every movie they did together.

[@tomfields3682]

No, totally different places. Wabaha is a town about 100 miles downriver from St Paul. Wabasha cave is on St. Paul's west side. There's a Wabasha St. downtown St. Paul that also has lots of gangster history from the same era. All were named after the Lakota Chief Wabasha.

[@LordVikingLive]

@@tomfields3682 Yes, they used several places. Like it says about the production: The cast and crew arrived in Minnesota in January 1993 but had to wait to start shooting until February 2 because of a lack of snowfall. Interior scenes were filmed at the Paisley Park Studios while St. Paul, Faribault, and Center City doubled as Wabasha. The ice-shanty scenes were shot on Lake Rebecca. Filming wrapped on June 23, 1993, after a delay of several months when Matthau contracted pneumonia while filming a fight scene with Lemmon in subzero temperatures.

[@CameronMcCreary]

Thank you Jeff for this presentation on Dillinger's life and death. I didn't know that information about the apartment.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, Cameron! I appreciate the nice review!

[@davidl9372]

Thanks for sharing this piece of history

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching, David!

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Thanks for sharing, Jeff and Sarah

[@rhondaz356]

That was so interesting. Well, he certainly achieved his ambitions. Thank you for all your research, your on the scenes reporting, and attention to details, Jeff... another A+ episode.🏡🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@joycespangler8727]

I truly enjoy ur videos!! Great job!!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much, Joyce! I appreciate the nice compliment!

[@dano8203]

This was a great episode! It’s amazing the neighborhood looks so good. Even more so that the apartment building is still standing and in use. Shocked that those old cars are parked outside and not in a museum. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!

[@johnshaft5613]

Another great video, thank you Jeff! As you eluded to, I have never understood how criminals of the era were so often able to shoot it out with arrest teams and escape. Nowadays attempting such would be simple suicide. I'm not entirely sure what has changed. Law enforcement back then certainly had guns, and I presume knew they should cover the back of buildings?

[@aletabowling4389]

Loved the video, Jeff! You do a great job! That era in the 30’s is really interesting.

[@roxann_bam]

Another great video. Going through the back story of history is fascinating. Thank you, Jeff & and Sarah, for taking us on your journey.

[@nicholedecker9124]

Wow! What a life he led. Glad to see the building is still there and being used. The houses in that area are beautiful! Thank you for the history!

[@jbenziggy]

The building doesn’t look over 100 years old but it is!

[@debralang9467]

Wow! One of your most interesting videos so far. Thanks for sharing those locations with us and for doing all that research!

[@jbenziggy]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!!!

[@johnrambo7630]

Lots of good research Jeff. Your editing and video format are excellent. St Paul's best days are in the past

[@jbenziggy]

Much appreciated! Thanks, John!

[@matthalamue]

Born and raised in Minnesota. Moved to California when I turned 18. I am really loving your Minnesota series. Keep up the good work man! You still need that PBS show.

[@jbenziggy]

PBS … hello …. I’m waiting … pick up, pick up? Leave a message? Don’t call us? We’ll call you? What? lol

[@dam00k]

“Minnesota nice” is a real thing, not at all surprised that guy let you in to see the apartment. Congrats on getting out of there before mosquito season.

[@jbenziggy]

Oh my goodness! Mosquitoes were heard are so bad it is the state bird! LOL

[@karenmiller2642]

Another great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@lindakelling6647]

This sure was interesting. I have heard about this but I didn't know exactly how it happened. I am glad that I got to see this. Love this channel ❤️ 💕

[@johnw.fordphotography4268]

Jeff , wonderful documentary , Thank´s

[@clinthowe7629]

Very interesting, thank you for going to the location and giving us a vicarious rundown on the events. I lived it. ❤👍

[@jbenziggy]

You have paid me a great compliment and I thank you!

[@andreajohnson1796]

Makes me wonder! Another Awesome history brought to light Thanks for sharing Jeff

[@wildbrino]

Been a fan for a long time especially the old school gangster stuff keep up the great work and I’ll support every chance I get!

[@davidclark9150]

Thanks Jeff for a very interesting video. It's nice to see you in the Midwest for a change.

[@FlopSter-i1o]

My grandma once said she took my infant father for a walk in a baby carriage in 1933 in a town near Crown Point, IN. Friends told her she had passed a house where John Dillinger was staying. My maternal grandma grew up in Chicago and visited a speakeasy in the 1920s. What a time in history it was for that part of the United States.

[@MrMark2024]

Thank you Jeff. Another great history lesson. John Dillinger led quite a life. I enjoy your videos very much. They are so informative and a lot of fun to watch. Until next time, take care my friend. Have a wonderful weekend. Happy Memorial Day weekend. Prayers to our real heroes. 🙏🏻 God Bless our men and women in the military both serving now and in the past.🇺🇸

[@WyomingTraveler]

We often hear of the gun fights in the old West, but few ever hear or even think about gunfights in the 20th century.. Thanks for telling the story of a modern gun battle.

[@jbenziggy]

I don’t understand how anyone can engage in a gunfight. It’s a such a risky outcome. 🥺

[@WyomingTraveler]

@@jbenziggy True, but many people get into gun fights, however

[@dr.athleticz2777]

Very informative, and I liked the follow up on the different people

[@frankmarullo228]

This video was AWESOME Jeff ! THANK you for this one ( it's different type of video but awesome ) THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA......

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate you saying it was awesome! I try to be different when I can and cover places few have featured!

[@davidelack8809]

I always enjoy your videos, very informative and well planned. Thank you for doing your homework about the subject! I grew up in Long beach, Indiana suburb of Michigan city. The Indiana Federal penetentiary was located there where Dillinger was being held. That is the prison you mentioned he escaped from in this episode.

[@davidelack8809]

i was told wrong ,Dillinger was paroled from Mich.City in 1933,but he had guns smuggled in and several other inmates escaped after he was paroled because he had done that.

[@blanton1624]

He robbed 4 Police Stations? WOW! Great video as usual Jeff. I appreciate your efforts on all of these historical videos!

[@Sleeperdude]

Very interesting thanks for sharing

[@nickpaz2421]

I know about the shooting at the Biograph Theatre, but didn’t know about this one at the apt. Building. Great video.

[@ninaellyson814]

Another super intriguing episode Jeff! Thank you so much, -Nina.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks so much, Nina. Hope you are enjoying our channel!!!

[@richardbeee]

Been catching up with you. Watching past post. Love how you weave it all together. My step dad was a bouncer at a speak easy in Lockport, IL. Took me there later in life. I do wonder whatever happened to the kid with the shotgun. Would've been cool to hear his thoughts. Reward possibly or just felt duty bound.😊

[@tdk4660]

Great episode Jeff. Thanks

[@briannave7326]

Thanks for bringing up interesting history of famous people I’ve heard of but never knew much about them.

[@ravensbrood3544]

Great Vlog Jeff, I've always been Fascinated by the Outlaws of the early 1930's...Baby Face, Pretty Boy, and Particularly John Dillinger.👍

[@bethloguekellerwilliamsrea1529]

As always, I think it was very well done and I enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@frankmarullo228]

JEFF , while in WABASHA you should have done a video on " grumpy old men and grumpier old men " LOL. again awesome video my friend. Frank from Montana.......

[@gregorykacsandy5005]

Great vid Jeff ! Cheers ! 👍🙏

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi Jeff...loved this story...bad guys are always interesting and exciting to hear about their adventures in life....the apartment makes the story come alive when you see where the shooting happened....thanks for vlogging his story...take care....... Deborah 🇨🇦

[@jbenziggy]

I think this was one of my better videos overall! Thanks!

[@Lorie-i2k]

I love hearing about anything from before I was born in July of 1962. And growing up in a rural town I never heard to much in school about the outlaws, unless it had to do with a president. Thank you Jeff and Sarah for doing the research & traveling to bring this to your viewers.

[@Lorie-i2k]

Have a wonderful father's if im no online that day. I'm gonna try to go to the cemetery to visit my dad, if I can find a ride.

[@NormaHird]

Thank you for climbing those stairs. I would have stopped on the first floor! Great video This video was researched very well and presented in such a professional manner. Thsnk you

[@jbenziggy]

🤪 thanks!

[@terryeustice5399]

Thank you Jeff for this episode of History on John Dillinger. Very informative and interesting. Love all you do. Thanks for sharing. 💯💕👊👍

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate the feedback! Terry, I think this will be one of my favorite shorter videos!

[@161papa]

Great history lesson: I enjoyed your video very much. Did the gentleman that let you in know the Dillinger history of the building? I'm also wondering if the currents residents of room 303 know they are living in a historic room.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Great bit of history found and shared Loved it Jeff Thankyou

[@culturematters4157]

GREAT historical documentary, Jeff!

[@thejourney1369]

Another great video. So cool you got to go upstairs.

[@jmtinfo4931]

What camera do you use? It's so clear? Great video. ..

[@jbenziggy]

I used a combination of GoPro 7 and my iPhone 14. My GoPro takes better shots in low light situations like in the hallway so that’s what I used in inside the building. With my iPhone, I shoot it 60 frames per second and 4K video.

[@musiknbooks-jn1wz]

This brings back memories of my Mother and my Grandmother. They would tell us kids all about those days of gangsters....I remember Dillinger was their "favorite". They said he was the best looking of the gangsters and said he was double-crossed by "that old woman" who was supposed to be his friend. They, of course, realized he was doing wrong, but the gangsters of that day gave everybody something to talk about, I guess. How did it feel knowing you were walking the same steps as Dillinger? WOW! Looking at his pictures, his hairstyle has made a comeback with the shaved sides and the fullness on top. Really enjoyed this. Can't remember hearing about this part of his life. Thanks!!

[@Cabmaker]

Very interesting story Jeff, I really enjoyed learning some things I didn’t know about Dillinger

[@allanbeamer7110]

I spent many weeks and months in and around Wabasha when I was still trucking as we were working on rebuilding the river road through there. Worked out of the pit by the Dairy Queen. I always had the feeling a lot of history had occured there. Had no idea at all about the cave speak easy. But not surprised. I wonder why suddenly so many violent crimes should have begun in the early 20th Century? I've heard it argued it began shortly following the Civil War and WWI. Civil War being the beginning of mechanized warfare, but WWI perfecting such killing methods. And Dillinger was no veteran, no "Lost Boy"... although very lost indeed. Capone? Baby Face Nelson? Bonny and Clyde? Etc., etc.... Thanks again for such a great repotage, brother! God bless you.

[@jeffhensley9988]

Great post, Jeff. I Love that era of American History. In your opinion, what is it specifically that intrigues people about this subject? Praying that Sara is doing well following her loss. May the Peace of the Lord be with you all. God Bless

[@jbenziggy]

I think it was that era where certain criminals seemed invincible and brazen but in the end met their fate. Maybe it’s the cars and the movies done about them. They seemed like decent people when you see their photos but they were hardcore killers.

[@jerryfountain7921]

Wow, but things that went on back in the day! It was a corrupt society then as well! Thanks for the video Jeff, I look forward to next week as well.

[@kimkelly-kline3768]

Loved this one Jeff..actually a nice neighborhood and apartment building in MN there..as always much love to You and Sarah!!

[@sharylcherwa7369]

Thank you for another interesting piece of History Jeff. I really enjoy your investigations & all the Hard Work you put into your videos Looking forward to more of History Hunters while you're back East ❤

[@srevero1]

enjoy your videos...History is fascinating, no matter what the topic is. Thank you for sharing...

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks!!

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff, Happy Sunday, and thanks for sharing this interesting story about John Dillinger. Have a wonderful day.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, you too!

[@redmccoy8633]

Hey , thanks for another great episode. Thanx again !

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you, Red!!

[@peanut_trucker]

Wow another great episode, never knew all of that thank you for sharing. 👍

[@rundown48]

Excellent detective work on your part Jeff... I never get tired of looking back into the past... Best wishes and ..................... Cheers!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, you too!

[@jackielowe2895]

Great episode

[@carolynpurser7469]

Knowledge the facts is one thing, but these videos bring history to life.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Carolyn!

[@swansfan6944]

Great information there Jeff. Dillinger certainly was a piece of work. 😮 I love the cars from back then, aren’t they something. 🤩 ❤Jodie 🇦🇺

[@jbenziggy]

Yes they are!!

[@cardsbyshannonlee]

you are a great storyteller Jeff! thanks for the video.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimeaton805]

Thank You

[@bradr2142]

Great show. I grew up a few blocks from here and you told very accurate story. I like and subscribe.

[@jbenziggy]

Hey thanks, Brad! We appreciate you watching and subscribing!

[@larrymiller8210]

Great history! Thanks so much for sharing .

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you!!!