The Black Hand gangs in New York have some interesting stories. These were often made up of Italian immigrants. They were known for sending threatening letters (the so - called Black Hand letters) to people, demanding money. If the victims didn't pay, they would face various forms of violence or destruction of property. Their activities created a climate of fear in some Italian - American communities in New York.
The story of John Gotti is quite famous. He was known as the 'Teflon Don' because he seemed to avoid prosecution for a long time. He was the boss of the Gambino crime family. His flamboyant lifestyle and high - profile presence in the public eye made him a well - known figure. But in the end, the law caught up with him and he was sent to prison for life.
The legend of the Elevator Operator Ghost in some of the old, grand hotels in New York is also famous. Guests have reported seeing an apparition of an old - fashioned elevator operator in the elevator shafts. He doesn't say a word but just stares at them with a cold look in his eyes. It's a story that has been passed around for decades among hotel staff and guests alike.
Another is the story of Carlo Gambino. His family became one of the most powerful in the New York mafia. He was a shrewd and calculating leader. Under his leadership, the Gambino family engaged in a wide range of illegal activities, from drug trafficking to labor union racketeering. His reign was marked by a combination of violence and strategic planning to maintain power.
The ghost story of the Seneca Falls is quite well - known. There are reports of apparitions near the old mills. It's thought that the spirits might be of the workers who had accidents there long ago.
The ghost of the Erie Canal is a well - known story in Buffalo. There are stories of a phantom barge worker who haunts the areas near the old canal. He is often seen wearing old - fashioned work clothes. People believe he died while working on the canal and his spirit never left. This story has been passed down through generations in Buffalo.
A well - known one is about a poet and his muse. The poet lived in Central New York and was deeply in love with a local girl. She died tragically in a fire. The poet was so devastated that he could no longer write. But his love's ghost would visit him at his study. It was said that she inspired him from beyond the grave, and some of his most beautiful, yet heart - wrenching poems were written during those visitations.
I'm not sure specifically which collection named 'New York Short Stories' you're referring to. There could be many different authors contributing to various such collections. However, some well - known New York - based authors who write short stories could be Edith Wharton.
The story of Frank Lucas stands out. He was a major drug lord in Harlem. He managed to cut out the middlemen in the heroin trade by going directly to the source in Southeast Asia. He was so successful that he became extremely wealthy and had a large network of associates. His downfall came when the authorities finally caught up with him, but his story has been the subject of movies and books.
F. Scott Fitzgerald is a well - known author of 'New York Fiction' with 'The Great Gatsby'. Another is Tom Wolfe, who wrote 'Bonfire of the Vanities'.
The Roswell incident is by far the most well - known. It has been the subject of countless books, movies, and documentaries. The idea that an alien spacecraft crashed there and was covered up by the military has captured the public's imagination for decades.
The La Llorona story has a presence in New Mexico. La Llorona is the weeping woman who is said to roam near bodies of water, mourning the loss of her children. In New Mexico, there are specific locations like riversides where people claim to have heard her wailing at night.