Walking Directions: This is the last stop of the Black heritage section on Congress St. You can continue on to Congress Park ahead of you or head back up the hill to explore more of the West Side.
Introduction to Stop 19
The Story
“Horse Rooms” were basically illegal betting operations located in cigar stores and the back rooms of restaurants and businesses. There were many “horse rooms” located along Congress and Beekman Streets. Many of the local residents were involved in “running the numbers” according to the oral history of Mabel Biddie Anthony. The Cigar Shop on Congress Street was a well known “number’s shop” and was owned by Hattie’s second husband Willie Moseley. For the wealthy, the illegal gambling operations were run in the elegant casinos and restaurants out at Lake Saratoga.
The lavish and wide-open gambling era in Saratoga did not survive past the mid-20th century. Increased government crackdowns, pressure from Governor Thomas E. Dewey’s administration, and the nationwide Kefauver Committee investigations in 1950 and 1951 eventually forced the closure of all illegal horse rooms and casinos.
Listen
Anita Turner describes the routine for her mother when she was “taking numbers”. Anita says it was legal in her interview but it is unclear as we don’t know the year she is referring to.
Artwork
This image was taken from a reference photo that showed three men standing in front of the Cigar Store which was known to have a horse room in the back. The Cigar Store was owned by Hattie’s second husband.
West Side Heritage Tour 