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Arthur Simon Flegenheimer was born on August 6, 1901 to Herman and Emma Flegenheimer. His parents were German and Jewish immigrants. He also had a younger sister Helen who was born in 1904. His father abandoned the family when Arthur was just fourteen forcing him to drop out of school. It was his responsibility to get a job and provide for the family. He tried his hand at menial jobs like roofing and working in a print shop but couldn’t make enough money for rent and food. This is when he decided to turn to the streets of the Bronx and became a petty criminal. When he was seventeen, Arthur was caught robbing apartments and was sent to prison for 15 months. The education he received in jail was not something he could have learned in a classroom. During this stay at the correctional facility he took on a new identity. This is when Dutch Schultz was born. He loved the new name. It sounded tougher and meaner than Flegenheimer. Arthur embraced his new persona.
When we first received the book, my wife and I took turns reading it and we didn't put it down until we finished. Robbie Hoffman draws you in from the first page, and he doesn't let go until the end. It was a great read, especially learning about one of the old time gangsters, and how he dealt with the other big names in the industry. We felt that Mr. Hoffman's passion about Dutch Schultz, and his quest for finding the "loot" reflects very strongly in his writing. In addition to the Dutch Schultz story line , Mr. Hoffman also paid tribute to his mother throughout the book, which was very heartwarming to read. We highly recommend this book, and feel that maybe we have not heard the last of Mr. Hoffman. Did someone say " Netflix Series"?.
- D.L.
I throughly enjoyed the author explaining how he became interested In this gangster and yet fascinating man , Dutch Schultz.
His boyhood memories lead to a relentless dream of searching for treasure and finding more then the just the gold, he found something of himself.
- Rick S.
Mr. Hoffman has penned quite a little gem with this memoir about growing up in a small town on Long Island, New York and treasure hunting. His story brings back memories for anyone growing up on Long Island in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The story recalls a kinder, gentler time of our youth. Mr. Hoffman ‘s mother instilled a curiosity and youthful wonder while his father taught him a hard work ethic. These traits and his personal knowledge of his family’s interactions with Arthur Flegenheimer, a.k.a Dutch Schultz, led to his search for the missing treasure. The author’s theories are sound and well researched. I believe Mr. Hoffman will find the treasure if he has not already found it by putting his story down on paper.
- T.D.
Such a great book, read it in one sitting. Robby wrote in great detail about Dutch Schultz, the small town of Rocky Point and the lost treasure. I believe Robbie will find that treasure one day and a second book will follow!
- Gene S.