Person Page - 87

     Rose Catherine Sammut was born on 26 May 1927 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 3 6/12 in 1930 census.¹ She married (?) Gheno. Rose Catherine Sammut died on 3 April 1994 at San Jose, Santa Clara Co., CA, USA, at age 66.
     As of 1927, Rose Catherine Sammut was also known as Rosina Sammut. She was listed in the 1930 US Census of Joseph J Sammut and Carmela Gatt in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 40, laborer.¹ Rose Catherine Sammut was a witness At death of wife Carmela in 1934, his 4 girls, Georgina, Mary, Rose, and Lena, were placed in this orphanage with Joseph J Sammut in 1934 at Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum, San Francisco, CA, USA. Her married name was Gheno.

     Michilena Sammut was born on 4 December 1928 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 1 10/12 in 1930 census.¹ She married (?) Steep. Michilena Sammut died on 8 December 2009 at Millbrae, CA, USA, at age 81.
     She was listed in the 1930 US Census of Joseph J Sammut and Carmela Gatt in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 40, laborer.¹ As of 1934, Michilena Sammut was also known as Lena Sammut. Her married name was Steep.

     Joseph Sammut was born on 3 May 1893 in Mosta, Malta; age 36 in 1930 census.¹ He was issued a Maltese Passport age 18 on 11 March 1911. Declared destination was San Francisco, CA, USA.² He married Julia Celia Mager on 20 June 1916; ages 22 and 22.¹ Joseph Sammut died on 14 December 1967 at Malta at age 74. Biography The Story of Artichoke Joe’s
Beginnings: Artichoke Joe’s recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. The business dates back to 1916, when a young Maltese immigrant named Giuseppe Sammut bought an old stable on Huntington Avenue in San Bruno and converted it to “Joe’s Pool Parlor.” (“Giuseppe” means “Joseph” in English.) The place featured a couple of pool tables, a poker table or two, and a bar. Today, our bar and restaurant are still located in this historic building, whose decor retains the flavor of the Old West.
Betting: Joe’s Pool Parlor operated here until the early 1950s. Most of the business had to do with the horse races—not just at the local Tanforan Racetrack in San Bruno, but also throughout California and the United States. The pool hall’s convenient location near the San Bruno stops for both the trolley line and the Southern Pacific Railroad made it easy for customers to journey from San Francisco down to San Bruno. Origin of the Name: The name of Artichoke Joe’s dates back to a wisecrack made by the founder in the 1920s, when San Bruno was still largely rural and was ringed by fields of artichokes and other crops. Joe was known to accept almost any wager, no matter how large. One day he was taking lots of bets on a particular horse. When someone asked him how he would pay off if he lost, Joe looked out the window at the farm fields and said, “In artichoke leaves.” He instantly became “Artichoke Joe” and was so known for the rest of his career in the Bay Area. In 1950 he retired and returned to Malta.

Website of Artichoke Joe's Casino:
Beginnings
Artichoke Joe’s recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. The business dates back to 1916, when a young Maltese immigrant named Giuseppe Sammut bought an old stable on Huntington Avenue in San Bruno and converted it to “Joe’s Pool Parlor.” (“Giuseppe” means “Joseph” in English.) The place featured a couple of pool tables, a poker table or two, and a bar. Today, our bar and restaurant are still located in this historic building, whose decor retains the flavor of the Old West.
Betting
Joe’s Pool Parlor operated here until the early 1950s. Most of the business had to do with the horse races—not just at the local Tanforan Racetrack in San Bruno, but also throughout California and the United States. The pool hall’s convenient location near the San Bruno stops for both the trolley line and the Southern Pacific Railroad made it easy for customers to journey from San Francisco down to San Bruno.

Origin of the Name
The name of Artichoke Joe’s dates back to a wisecrack made by the founder in the 1920s, when San Bruno was still largely rural and was ringed by fields of artichokes and other crops. Joe was known to accept almost any wager, no matter how large. One day he was taking lots of bets on a particular horse. When someone asked him how he would pay off if he lost, Joe looked out the window at the farm fields and said, “In artichoke leaves.” He instantly became “Artichoke Joe” and was so known for the rest of his career in the Bay Area. In 1950 he retired and returned to Malta.
Family Business
After the Second World War, Joe’s son, Joseph Sammut, Jr.—inevitably nicknamed “Artichoke Joe II”—took over the business, which evolved into a gaming establishment featuring draw and low-ball poker (legal games in California then and now) and offering bar, nightclub, and restaurant facilities in a Western-themed environment. In the 1950s the place became a legal California cardroom, which it remains to this day, and was renamed as Artichoke Joe’s. Third Generation: The business has remained in the family’s hands and has been run since 1975 by Dennis Sammut, son of “Joe II” and grandson of the original Giuseppe Sammut.

Artichoke Joe’s Today
Modern Facilities: Major expansion and remodeling in the 1980s and 1990s expanded the one-time stable into a spacious, thoroughly modern, and very comfortable building. Massive aquarium tanks featuring colorful exotic saltwater fish are a principal attraction of the high-ceilinged main cardroom. The combination bar-restaurant, which has acquired local fame as a great place to have a tasty bite at a reasonable price, is still located on the site of the old stable. Our wait staff provides prompt, efficient food and drink service at all the gaming tables. Staff: We are one of the largest employers in San Bruno. Artichoke Joe’s employs more than 430 full-time workers, many of whom live in and around San Bruno. Our staff members range in age from early 20s to 70s. Our staff is carefully trained, and retrained annually, for the specific jobs they fill as well as for how to deal with medical and other emergencies. To ensure the safest possible gaming environment, our professional dealers, floor staff, cashiers, and managers receive specialized training in applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Giving Back to the Community
The Sammuts have been prominent contributors to San Bruno’s civic life and especially to its youth sports programs for decades. In 1990 they set up the Sammut Family Foundation, which focuses its giving on youth programs such as 4-H Clubs and the Scouts, local public elementary and middle schools, anti-drug and anti-alcohol programs at the high school, reading support programs at the city library, and children with special needs. Many local youngsters have had the opportunity to play organized baseball, soccer, and other sports thanks to Artichoke Joe’s, which sponsors 25 baseball teams ranging from “T-ball” to “teeners.”.
     He emigrated from Malta in 1912 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He received military draft notice in 1917 at 2608 San Bruno Ave, San Francisco, CA, USA, age 24, pool hall owner. He and (?) Maltese Owned Businesses were Maltese Business 1st owner of Joe's Pool Parlor which became Artichoke Joe's Casino, San Bruno in 1917. Joseph Sammut and Julia Celia Mager were listed in the 1920 US Census, age 26, retail store keeper, in San Bruno Ave., South San Francisco, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 18 March 1926: $2000 TO BOY FOR EYE LOSS
Jackson McElvaln, aged 15, Js to reçoive $2000 for the loss of his left eye. it was decided yesterday in Redwood City, when a notice of compromise was filed In the Superior Court. McElvaln was wounded on February 21. when Joseph Sammut, aged 8, fired an air rifle at him. the shot lodging in the youth's eye. Mrs. Mary McElvaln of San Bruno, filed a suit for damages, but before it came np in court the compromise was effected with the father of the other youith. Joseph Sammut Sr, San Bruno billiard hall proprietor. He was listed on a passenger list at Ellis Island, NY on 10 September 1926 going to New York, NY, USA; age 33, retired; mother Filomena Sammut in Mosta; destination - home, San Bruno, CA. He and Julia Celia Mager were listed in the 1930 US Census age 36, cigar store clerk; and brothers in law Paul and Sefrin Mager; Paul a carpenter, but Sefrin is listed as cigar store proprietor in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 16 September 1930: Daylight Bandits Seize $300 in Pool Room Holdup
Two robbers took a hazardous chance yesterday, and in broad daylight. held up one of the most frequented places in San Bruno—Joe’s poolroom. There were only two clerks in the place when the two, one redheaded and the other blond, walked in with drawn gum shortly after noon. They made one of the clerks, J. M. Sverean, go into Ihr. back room, where they zagged him and bound him to a chair. The other clerk, George Gallea, who was in the back room, was ordered to keep quiet. After trussing and gagging Severan, they robbed him of $300 he had just borrowed from his sister Mrs. Dorothy Bowman of San Francisco, to buy an interest in the business. He had been waiting for the proprietor, Joe Sammut. to return from lunch to close the deal.
While the bandits were going through the victim's pockets, a truck driver came in the front door with a case of soda water on his shoulder. He was added to the collection of victims in the back room. The robbers obtained nothing from him or from Gallea. Apparently content with the $300 they had taken, en from Severan they threatened to blow the head off the first man if he
made an outcry, and fled. Each was old and well dressed.
Joseph Sammut Voter Registration: Joseph, cigar dealer, Republican; Julia, housewife, Democrat in 1935 at 665 Huntington Ave, San Mateo Co., CA, USA. He was in the Legal System for multiple gambling and bookmaking arrests; founder of Artichoke Joe's Casino in 1937.

George Galea was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 26 June 1937: $1,000 CONFISCATED, 6 ARRESTED IN RAIDS: 2 Bookmaking Places Listed By Prober Hit San Bruno’s Notorious Resorts Were Others Belasco Visited
Six men were arrested, more than $1000 in betting money confiscated, and gambling and horse race wagering equipment seized in two raids carried out by the sheriff’s office and police late yesterday in San Bruno, gambling “sore spot” in the eyes of the grand jury. Openly committed to a policy which leaves city gambling troubles up to the municipalities themselves. Sheriff James J, McGrath said today the raids were staged “at the insistence of the grand jury and in co-operation with San Bruno police."
Resorts raided were the San Bruno Pool Hall, operated by George Galea, 39, and Artichoke Joe's Pool Room, run by Joe Sammut, 53, familiarly known as “Artchoke Joe.” Four men were arrested in the raid on Artichoke Joe’s. the proprietor and Harold Magnuson, 32. for book-making, and Joe Sammut Jr., 21, and Armand Wright, 30, for assertedly running a crap game.
TWO ‘BOOKS’ IN PLACE
Undersheriff Lawrence Nieri, who led this raid, assisted by Chief William Maheer of the San Bruno police, and Deputy Sheriff Adolph Waldeck, said that Magnuson and Sammut Sr. were operating separate “books” in the same establishment. The sum of $894.50 in cash was seized on Magnuson’s desk, while Sammut's counter yielded $88 in bets. The crap table, laid out on a pool table, produced $159.25 in confiscated bets. At the San Bruno Pool Hall, also located on San Mateo avenue, Deputy Sheriffs Thomas Maloney and Hugh Williams and Officer Arthur Britton of the San Bruno force arrested Galea and Kenneth McLeod. 25. charging both with book-making. Only $44.80 in bets was confiscated. Booking sheets, race forms and loud-speaker equipment were seized in both raids.
CUSTOMERS UNMOLESTED
Fifteen customers in Galea’s establishment. and 25 in Sammut’s were not molested by the officers. The six men arrested spent only three quarters of an hour in jail, the accused book-makers winning their release on $250 bail each, while the asserted crap-game operators posted $100 each. The bail was set by Judge Wade H. Clay of Daly City. McLeod is the same young man who stood trial for a morals charge against a woman and won acquittal here last year from a jury in Judge A. R. Cotton’s court. He was also arrested in the 1936 raid on Caldwell’s resort in Belmont. For this latter arrest he paid a $100 fine for book-making, according to the district attorney's office records.
JURORS PLEASED
Grand Jury Secretary C. M. Doxsee expressed pleasure when informed of the raids. He admitted that San Bruno had been considered by the inquisitors a "sore spot" as to gambling conditions. "At one of our first meetings we asked Chief Maher to co-operate with us, and he said he would, Doxsee said. "But from reports, apparently the situation there continued." The raids leave unmolested only one of the five resorts named as active book-making establishments in the report of “Benny the Duck” Belasco, which the Grand Jury did not ask for and would not pay for.
It was also recalled that the investigator’s report referred to San Bruno as "the fountainhead of gambling in San Mateo county." an echo of Edwin N. Atherton's report on San Francisco vice conditions. naming the McDonough brothers as "the fountainhead of corruption" in San Francisco.
KNOWN TO POLICE
Further Belasco charged that Chief Maher "not only knows of the existence of both places (the two raided yesterday) but is on the most friendly of terms with both of these illegal operators." Meanwhile, at the request of (See BOOKMAKING. Page 8)
Bookmaking Places Raided (Continued from Page 1)
District Atty. Gilbert Ferrell, the trials of A. Olson of t he Menalto Inn in North Palo Allo. and Dent T. Fairless, of Bert’s Place, south of Redwood City on El Camino Real, alleged book-makers arrested in raids on two other resorts mentioned in the Belasco report were continued to July 2.
The trials have now been continued twice, according to Judge Edward I. McAuliffe. the first two times at the request of the defendants and with the consent of Ferrell, and yesterday at the instance of the district attorney alone.
In amplifying his statements on the causes back of the raids yesterday, McGrath said "I don't make it a policy to go into cities on raids unless I have to."
The raids on the San Bruno establishments, according to those well acquainted with the situation. The raids on the San Bruno establishments, according to those well acquainted with the situation, were the first held in 10 years, although the two resorts have assertedly been operating for this long.








Joseph Sammut witnessed the Newspaper of George Galea and Maltese In the News on 28 June 1937 at San Mateo Times, San Mateo, CA, USA; Six Jailed in Gambling Raids
Two Alleged Bookies Taken In San Bruno -- “Heat On" in Northern End of County -- GRAND JURY ACTS -- McGrath Says He Moved In On Orders
The “heat was on" in the 1 northern part of San Mateo, county today with six men under arrest on gambling charges after a sensational double raid on two asserted bookies establishments in the San Bruno business district, and indications that other raids will follow.
Prompted by the county grand jury and in cooperation with n San Bruno police, deputies of Sheriff James J. McGrath late yesterday swopped down on the San Mateo pool hall and Joe's pool room on San Mateo avenue, arrested the two proprietors and four other men and seized bookmaking paraphernalia and $1186.55 in cash.
Felony Charges
Arrested were George Galea, 39, proprietor, and Kenneth McLeod, 25, a clerk, at the San Mateo pool hall; "Artichoke" Joe Sammut, 53, proprietor, Harold J. Magnuson, 32, Joe Sammut Jr, 21, and Armand Wright, 30, clerk, at the Sammut pool hall.
Charged with felony gambling charges_r Galea, McLeod, Sammut Sr. and Magnuson were released on $250 bail each. The others, booked on misdemeanor gambling charges, were freed after posting $100 bail each.
The raids, staged simultaneously to prevent a "tip off" shortly after 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, were conducted at the insistence of the grand jury, according to Sheriff McGrath.
"Sore Spot," Charge
"I don't make it a practice to go into cities unless I have to.' McGrath explained. The grand jury has regarded San Bruno as "one of the. county's gambling sore spots," C. M. Doxsee, secretary, revealed. "The grand jury called this to the attention of Chief Maher and asked his co operation," Doxsee said. From reports received by the grand jury on the gambling- situation, this apparently has been allowed to continue." Authorities were understood as having been investigating gambling places in San Bruno and other parts of northern San Mateo county and indicated that additional raids would be staged. They turned to the northern front after conducting a series of similar raids in the southern part of the county. A three-week period of quiet followed triple raids on ... (Cont. p. 3)
Page 3
Six Jailed in Gambling Raids
’Th« Casino'* in Belmont, "Berl's Place" near Atherton and the "Menlo Inn" in North Palo Alto.
Racing Wire Service
Raiding officers reported finding racing wire service, loud speakers, form charts and other alleged bookmaking equipment at the two San Bruno pool halls.
About 15 persons in each place at the time of the raids were not arrested. Wright and young Sammut were’ said to have keen conducting a crap game, when Undersheriff Lawrence Nieri, Deputy Sheriff Adolph Waldeck and officer Arthur Brillain arrived at the Sammut pool hall. The dice game "pot" of $160.86 was seized. Sammut Sr. and Magnuson were officiating at the loud speakers, the officers said. Sammut had an $88 "pool" and Magnuson had $894.50. The raid on the San Bruno pool hall was staged by Deputy Sheriffs Thomas Maloney, Hugh Williams, and Police Chief Thomas Maloney. There the officers seized $44.90 in cash.
Accused by Woman
Records show that McLeod was acquitted by a jury in Superior Court Judge Aylett Colban's court, Redwood City, six months ago of a charge of attacking a San Francisco mother at San Bruno. He was later arrested in a Sheriff's gambling raid in Belmont and fined, authorities said.
The six arrested yesterday were taken to South San Francisco for arraignment before Justice of the Peace W. H. Clay in the absence of Judge R. A. Rapsey of San Bruno who is vacationing.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 2 July 1937: San Bruno Men Up for Arraignment
Arraignment of the six San Bruno defendants on felony and misdemeanor charges is scheduled next Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the court of Justice Wade H. Clay, South San Francisco. George Galea, 39, Kenneth McLoad, 25; Joe Sammut, 53, and Harold Magnuson, 32, are charged with felony counts of bookmaking. Joe Sammut, Jr., 21, and Armand Wright, 30, face misdemeanor gambling charges. They were arrested in two raids by San Bruno police and deputies of Sheriff McGrath, a week ago. All are at liberty on bail.

George Galea was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 7 July 1937: Bookmakers in San Bruno Fined $250
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, July 7—Four book-makers were fined $250 each and two men charged with running a crap game were hit by $100 fines when persons arrested on June 25 by sheriff’s officers and police in a raid on two resorts in San Bruno appeared here late yesterday before Justice of the Peace Wade H. Clay. The $250 fines were paid by Joe Sammut, Kenneth McLeod. Harold Magnuson and George Galea, arrested in raids—on—"Artichoke Joe’s" and the San Bruno Pool. In the first resort, Armand Wright and Joe Sammut Jr. were running a crap game. They paid the $100 fines. More than $1000 in bets were seized in the raids. Joseph Sammut and Julia Celia Mager were listed in the 1940 US Census age 47, education - C-4; owner, "retail cigar store" in 709 Mills St, San Bruno, CA, USA. Joseph Sammut received military draft notice in 1942 at 709 Mills St, San Francisco, CA, USA, age 48, self employed, Claremont Club, 26th Sixth St, SF.
Joseph Sammut Had an ad for Joe's Pool Parlor in 1942. He and Joseph Pisani were a Worked for 2nd Artichoke Joe Sammut for many years; ran his kitchen. Joseph Sammut was in the Legal System for gambling and bookmaking; 2nd owner of Artichoke Joe's Casino in 1948.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 21 August 1948: Bookie Wild Guilty article; mentions Joe's poor memory of their encounters.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 24 August 1948: Agents Investigate Returns of Bay Area Bookies
Federal Income tax investigators yesterday were reported betraying professional curiosity about the profits of four big-time bookies— two in San Francisco, one in Oakland, and one local agent for Easterners. The last was believed to have reported $3000 returns on a year which assertedly brought him $500,000, and the others were said to have been similarly careless. The report was one of several chips still flying from last Friday, when Federal Judge George B. Harris gave the axe to ex-Bookie Julius Wild for shortcomings on income tax returns. The FBI yesterday was investigating "Artichoke” Joe Sammut, Wild associate, for the future edification of the Grand Jury.
Income tax men turned up the signature of Fireman Robert F. Callahan, secretary of the David Scannen Club, on a return filed for Wild March 10, 1942. Callahan previously had said he hadn’t signed it. District Attorney Edmund G. Brown and City Attorney John O’Toole said they were planning no immediate action.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 8 February 1949: Sammut's Perjury Trial Opens Today..
Joseph Sammut, known to the Sixth street horse-players as “Artichoke Joe,” goes on trial today before Chief Federal Judge Michael' X Roche on a charge of perjury growing out of the Income tax trial of Julius Wild, a “bookie." Wild will be the Government’s' star witness, according to Robert B. McMillan, assistant United States Attorney. Wild was en route last night from the Federal hospital at Springfield, Mo., where he was sent by Federal Judge George B. Harris after being sentenced to two years and fined $5000.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 9 February 1949: Artichoke Joe Perjury Trial Jury Chosen
A jury of eight men and four women was selected in Chief Federal Judge Michael J. Roche’s court yesterday for the trial of Joseph (Artichoke Joe) Sammut on a perjury charge growing out of the income tax evasion trial last fall of Julius Wild.
After the Jury was picked, the trial was recessed until this morning, at the request of Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert B. McMillan, to permit attendance of Wild. Wild, who once conducted a bookie business in the basement of the Orpheum Theater on Market street, was en route from the Federal hospital at Springfield, Mo., whither he was sent by Federal Judge George B. Harris as part of a two-year sentence. Wild’s train, McMillan said, was delayed by blizzards.
Sammut was a Government witness at Wild’s trial. At that time he said he had never seen Wild, didn't know him, and never even heard of him. The Government produced Wild’s books, prominently mentioning Sammut, better known to the Sixth street horso playing crowd as Artichoke Joe. Judge Harris, who had ordered the perjury charge lodged against Sammut, will also be a. witness at the current trial. W. P. and Jack Kyne, turf men, were also subpoenaed. An interested spectator yesterday was Bill Kyne’a counsel, William B. Hornélower. Sammut, decked out in somber gray from hat to socks, sat solemnly as the jury was selected. Prosecutors said Sammut acquired his nickname from his former realdence in the Half Moon Bay area where he reportedly organized artichoke growers into an association.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 9 February 1949: Artichoke Joe Perjury Trial Jury Chosen -- A Jury of eight men and four wcmen was selected in Chief Federal Judge Michael J. Roche’s court yesterday for the trial of Joseph (Artichoke Joe) Sammut on a perjury charge growing out of the income tax evasion trial last fall of Julius Wild. After the Jury was picked, the trial was recessed until this morning, at the request of Assistant U. S. Attorney Robert B. McMillan, to permit attendance of Wild. who once conducted a bookie business in the basement of the Orpheum Theater on Market street, was en route from the Federal hospital at Springfield, Mo., whither he was sent by Federal Judge George B. Harris as part of a two-year sentence. Wild’s train, McMillan said, was delayed by blizzard. Sammut was a Government witness at Wild’s trial. At that time he said he had never seen Wild, didn’t know him, and never even heard of him. The Government prodded Wild’s books, prominently mentioning Sammut, better known to the Sixth street horse playing crowd as Artichoke Joe. Judge Harris, who had ordered the perjury charge lodged against Sammut, will also be a witness at the current trial W. P. and Jack Kyne, turf men, were also subpoenaed. An interested spectator yesterday was Bill Kyne’s counsel, William B. Homftlower. Sammut, decked out in somber gray from hat to socks, sat solemnly as the Jury was selected. Prosecutors said Sammut acquired his nickname lrom his former residence in the Half Moon Bay area where he reportedly organized artichoke growers into an association.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 10 February 1949: Bookie Wild Holds Reunion At Joe's Trial
It was old home week for onetime bookie Julius Wild, convicted of income tar evasion, when he showed up at the Federal building yesterday to play a role in the perjury trial of Joseph Sammut.
With a considerable number of the bookmaking profession out of work because of the “heat”—temporary at least—many of Wild’s old cronies, coworkers and professional colleagues were on hand to say hello. HOSPITAL PATIENT He had Just arrived for a brief visit from the Federal hospital at Springfield, Missouri. He was sentenced to prison in the Income tax case which involved Sammut, also known as “Artichoke Joe,” in his present trouble.
Wild established his one-man receiving line in the witness room of Chief Federal Judge Michael J. Roche’s courtroom, where the 'perjury charge Is being heard by a jury of eight men and four women. The perjury trial resulted from Sammut’s testimony during the Wild trial that he did not know Wild. The Government, particularly Federal Judge George B. Harris, thought otherwise, and instituted the perjury proceedings. IDENTIFICATION ATTEMPT Wild's books mentioned Sammut.
The time came yesterday for Wild to identify Sammut. With individualistic aplomb, he searched the courtroom and picked as the defendant. Defense Counsel William B. Malone.was a bit startled. Wild retained his composure. "Busted my cheaters on the train,” he explained and tried again.j He was successful. "That’s the guy,” he said, almost putting the finger on Sammut, who remained impassive. Wild testified that sometimes he would “layoff bets” with “Artichoke Joe” and produced betting tickets bearing the signature of J. Sammut.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 10 February 1949: Bookie Wild Holds Reunion At Joe's Trial
It was old home week for one time bookie Julius Wild, convicted of income tax evasion, when he showed up at the Federal building yesterday to play a role in the perjury trial of Joseph Sammut. With a considerable number of the bookmaking profession out of work because of the “heat"—temporary at least—many of Wild’s old cronies, coworkers and professional colleagues were on hand to say hello.
Hospital Patient: He had just arrived for a brief visit from the Federal hospital at Springfield, Missouri. He was sentenced to prison in the Income tax case which involved Sammut, also known as “Artichoke Joe.” Wild established his one-man receiving line in the witness room of Chief Federal Judge Michael J. Roche’s courtroom, where the perjury charge is being heard by a jury of eight men and four women. The perjury trial resulted from Sammut’s testimony during the Wild trial that he did not know Wild. The Government, particularly Federal Judge George B. Harris, thought otherwise, and instituted the perjury proceedings.
Identification Attempt: Wild's books mentioned Sammut. The time came yesterday for Wild to identify Sammut. With individualistic aplonb, he searched the courtroom and picked as the defendant: Defense Counsel William B. Malone. Malone was a bit startled. Wild retained his composure. "Busted my cheaters on the train," he explained and tried again. He was successful. "That’s the guy,” he said, almost putting the finger on Sammut, who remained impassive. Wild testified that sometimes he would “layoff bets" with "Artichoke Joe" and produced betting tickets bearing the signature of J. Sammut.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 16 February 1949: 'Artichoke Joe' Guilty Of Perjury
"Artichoke Joe" Sammut was found guilty of perjury yesterday afternoon, a week after trial began on testimony he gave last August in income tax evasion proceedings against Bookie Julius Wild.
The verdict was returned by a Jury ot eight men and four women after deliberating an hour and eight minutes. He will reappear in court at 9:30 a. m. Friday, when arguments for a new trial wlll be heard. If a new trial is denied, date for sentence will be set then. The perjury conviction can bring a penalty of five years imprisonment and $10,000 fine. “Artichoke Joe," an alleged celebrity in the local bookie world, testified last August that he was not acquainted with Julius Wild, who was later sentenced to two years for income tax evasion. Wild was brought here from the Federal Hospital at Sprlngfled, Ill., to contradict Sammut’s testimony last Friday.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 19 February 1949: 'Artichoke Joe' Figures Odds and Begs a Prison Term
Joseph (Artichoke Joe) Sammut, one of the Bay Region’s better known bookies, parlayed a Jail sentence into a prison term yesterday. He liked the odds better.
Found guilty of perjury, Sammut received a sentence of one year in the County Jail, plus a fine of $2000, when he appeared before Chief Federal Judge Michnel J. Roche.
He figured the percentage, and came back an hour later with a gizzmo. He asked for a longer sentence. He would like to have a day added to that year.
He got it. and along with it, a chance to get out in four months instead of serving a sure-thing 10 months.
As a County Jail prisoner, he would not have: been eligible for parole and at best would have earned no more than two months off, for good behavior. Because no sentence of moré than a year can be served in the County Jail, Sammut automatically became an inmate of the Federal penitentiary when he got that added day. As such, he can apply for parole in four months. This display of what his clientele calls smart figuring came shortly after Sammut had been described as the victim of an occupational disease that breeds to horse parlors and insidiously afflicts the minds of bookies. His attorney, Raymond Sullivan, in pleading for mercy, told the Court his client undoubtedly suffers from "Bookies’ Disease.”
This psychopathy, he explained, is a cross between a delusion of persecution and a phobia against all matters legal. Every bookie, he says, knows he is being hounded by the cops, and every bookie backs away from the law and its trappings by acquired instinct.
Thus, he said, when Sammut was brought (the attorney said "yanked”) into court is a witness, he reacted in the classic manner and didn’t know or remember anything. Judge Roche conceded Sammut had shown symptoms of a mental nature, only he diagnosed it as
"stupidity." Just the same, he said, they not only merited punishment for violating his parole. He imposed the sentence as a warning to weak-minded persons who lie on the wit-
ness stand." Sammut's manifestation of "Bookie's disease" came last August when he was called as n defense witness for his confere, Julius Wild, who was on trial for income tux evasion. Sammut said that he never knew, or saw or heard of Wild—a story that Wild shattered by producing documents and records that they not only laid off bets with each other, but that Sammut loaned Wild $1000.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 19 February 1949: 'Artichoke Joe' Figures Odds and Begs a Prison Term -- Joseph (Artichoke Joe) Sammut, one of the Bay Region’s better known bookies, parlayed a Jail sentence into a prison term yesterday. He liked the odds better. Found guilty of perjury, Sammut received a sentence of one year in the County Jail, plus a fine of $2000, when he appeared before Chief Federal Judge Michnel J. Roche. He figured the percentage, and came back an hour later with a glzmo. He asked for a longer sentence. He would like to have a day added to that year. He got it, and along with it, a chance to get out in four months instead of serving a sure-thing 10 months. As a County Jail prisoner, he would not have been eligible for parole and at best would have earned no more than two months off, for good behavior. Because no sentence of moré than a year can be served in the County Jail. Sammut automatically became an inmate of the Federal penitentiary [San Quentin] when he got that added day. As such, he can apply for parole, in four months. This display of what his clientele calls smart figuring came shortly after Sammut had been described as the victim of an occupational disease that breeds in horse parlors and insidiously afflicts the minds of bookies. His attorney, Raymond Sullivan. In pleading for mercy, told the Court his client undoubtedly suffers from “Bookies’ Disease.” This psychopathy, he explained, is a cross between a delusion of persecution and a phobia against all matters legal. Every bookie, he says, knows he is being hounded by the cops, and every bookie backs away from the law and its trappings by acquired instinct. Thus, he said, when Sammut was brought, (the attorney said "yanked”) into court as a witness, he reacted in the classic manner and didn’t know or remember anything. Judge Roche conceded Sammut had shown symptoms of a mental nature, only he diagnosed it as "stupidity." Just the same, he said, the defendant merited punishment!
For violating his oath, he imposed the sentence "as a warning to weak-minded persons who lie on the witness stand.” Sammut's manifestionof "Bookie's disease came last August when he was called as a defense witness for his confere, Julius Wild, who was on trial for income lax evasion. Sammut said he never knew, or saw or even heard of Wild, a story that Wild shattered by producing documents and records that, showed they not only laid off bets with each other, but that Sammut loaned Wild $1000.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 12 August 1949: Artichoke Joe Home on Parole From McNeil Island
Joseph (Artichoke Joe) Sammut was all choked up with emotion when he returned to San Francisco yesterday on parole from the Federal penitentiary at McNeil Island.
The 56-ycar-old former Sixth street bookie was so overcome by tears he was unable to answer the routine questions of Chief Federal Probation Officer Albert Wahl.
Wahl asked Artichoke Joe what he planned doing for a living. Sammut buried his head in his hands and cried. His wife answered the questions for him. She said he just wanted
to go to his home in San Bruno and retire. Sammut was convicted last February 18 of perjury in the income tax! trial of Julius Wild, a fellow bookie. I Federal Judge Harris sentenced him to one year in the county jail, but, at Sammut request, the sentence was extended to a year and a day. This automatically sent Artichoke Joe to a Federal penitentiary where! parole regulations are more liberal. Wahl said yesterday Sammut was released ahead of schedule because of his poor physical condition.

Joseph Sammut was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 12 August 1949: Artichoke Joe Home on Parole From McNeil Island
Joseph (Artichoke Joe) Sammut was all choked up with emotion when he returned to San Francisco yesterday on parole from the Federal penitentiary at McNeil Island. The 56-year-old former Sixth street bookie was so overcome by tears he was unable to answer the routine questions of Chief Federal Probation Officer Albert Wahl. Wahl asked Artichoke Joe what he planned doing for a living. Sammut buried his head in his hands and cried. His wife answered the questions for him. She said he just wanted to go to his home in San Bruno and retire. Sammut was convicted last February 18 of perjury in the income tax trial of Julius Wild, a fellow bookie. Federal Judge Harris sentenced him to one year in the county jail, but, at Sammut's request, the sentence was extended to a year and a day. This automatically sent Artichoke Joe to a Federal penitentiary where parole regulations are more liberal. Wahl said yesterday Sammut was released ahead of schedule because of his poor physical condition. He and Julia Celia Mager were listed in the 1950 US Census age 57, retired; and lodger Frank Schembri in San Francisco, CA, USA. Joseph Sammut was deported in 1950 to Malta; by US Government.
Anthony Grech Anthony was nephew of Joseph Sammut, owner of Artichoke Joe's Casino. Joseph Sammut was also known as Joseph J Sammut.

     Julia Celia Mager was born on 3 June 1893 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 36 in 1930 census.¹ She married Joseph Sammut, son of Simeone Sammut and Filomena Grech, on 20 June 1916; ages 22 and 22.¹
     As of circa 1916,her married name was Sammut.¹ Julia Celia Mager and Joseph Sammut were listed in the 1920 US Census, age 26, retail store keeper, in San Bruno Ave., South San Francisco, San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Julia Celia Mager and Joseph Sammut were listed in the 1930 US Census age 36, cigar store clerk; and brothers in law Paul and Sefrin Mager; Paul a carpenter, but Sefrin is listed as cigar store proprietor in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Julia Celia Mager and Joseph Sammut were listed in the 1940 US Census age 47, education - C-4; owner, "retail cigar store" in 709 Mills St, San Bruno, CA, USA. Julia Celia Mager and Joseph Sammut were listed in the 1950 US Census age 57, retired; and lodger Frank Schembri in San Francisco, CA, USA. Parents: father born in NY, mother in Germany.

     Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was born on 7 October 1916 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 13 in 1930 census.¹ He married Helen Marguerite Arana. Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. and Helen Marguerite Arana were divorced in September 1967 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. died on 29 April 2006 at Carson City, NV, USA, at age 89; Nevada, U.S., Death Index, 1980-2012: of cancer. Biography Artichoke Joe's, a Family Business. After the Second World War, Joe’s son, Joseph Sammut, Jr.—inevitably nicknamed “Artichoke Joe II”—took over the business, which evolved into a gaming establishment featuring draw and low-ball poker (legal games in California then and now) and offering bar, nightclub, and restaurant facilities in a Western-themed environment. In the 1950s the place became a legal California cardroom, which it remains to this day, and was renamed as Artichoke Joe’s.
     He was listed in the 1920 US census of Joseph Sammut and Julia Celia Mager in 1920 at San Bruno Ave., South San Francisco, San Mateo Co., CA, USA; age 26, retail store keeper. Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. witnessed the Newspaper of Joseph Sammut and Maltese In the News on 18 March 1926 at San Francisco Chronicle; $2000 TO BOY FOR EYE LOSS
Jackson McElvaln, aged 15, Js to reçoive $2000 for the loss of his left eye. it was decided yesterday in Redwood City, when a notice of compromise was filed In the Superior Court. McElvaln was wounded on February 21. when Joseph Sammut, aged 8, fired an air rifle at him. the shot lodging in the youth's eye. Mrs. Mary McElvaln of San Bruno, filed a suit for damages, but before it came np in court the compromise was effected with the father of the other youith. Joseph Sammut Sr, San Bruno billiard hall proprietor. Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was listed in the 1930 US Census of Joseph Sammut and Julia Celia Mager in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 36, cigar store clerk; and brothers in law Paul and Sefrin Mager; Paul a carpenter, but Sefrin is listed as cigar store proprietor.¹ Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. witnessed the Newspaper of George Galea and Maltese In the News on 28 June 1937 at San Mateo Times, San Mateo, CA, USA; Six Jailed in Gambling Raids
Two Alleged Bookies Taken In San Bruno -- “Heat On" in Northern End of County -- GRAND JURY ACTS -- McGrath Says He Moved In On Orders
The “heat was on" in the 1 northern part of San Mateo, county today with six men under arrest on gambling charges after a sensational double raid on two asserted bookies establishments in the San Bruno business district, and indications that other raids will follow.
Prompted by the county grand jury and in cooperation with n San Bruno police, deputies of Sheriff James J. McGrath late yesterday swopped down on the San Mateo pool hall and Joe's pool room on San Mateo avenue, arrested the two proprietors and four other men and seized bookmaking paraphernalia and $1186.55 in cash.
Felony Charges
Arrested were George Galea, 39, proprietor, and Kenneth McLeod, 25, a clerk, at the San Mateo pool hall; "Artichoke" Joe Sammut, 53, proprietor, Harold J. Magnuson, 32, Joe Sammut Jr, 21, and Armand Wright, 30, clerk, at the Sammut pool hall.
Charged with felony gambling charges_r Galea, McLeod, Sammut Sr. and Magnuson were released on $250 bail each. The others, booked on misdemeanor gambling charges, were freed after posting $100 bail each.
The raids, staged simultaneously to prevent a "tip off" shortly after 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, were conducted at the insistence of the grand jury, according to Sheriff McGrath.
"Sore Spot," Charge
"I don't make it a practice to go into cities unless I have to.' McGrath explained. The grand jury has regarded San Bruno as "one of the. county's gambling sore spots," C. M. Doxsee, secretary, revealed. "The grand jury called this to the attention of Chief Maher and asked his co operation," Doxsee said. From reports received by the grand jury on the gambling- situation, this apparently has been allowed to continue." Authorities were understood as having been investigating gambling places in San Bruno and other parts of northern San Mateo county and indicated that additional raids would be staged. They turned to the northern front after conducting a series of similar raids in the southern part of the county. A three-week period of quiet followed triple raids on ... (Cont. p. 3)
Page 3
Six Jailed in Gambling Raids
’Th« Casino'* in Belmont, "Berl's Place" near Atherton and the "Menlo Inn" in North Palo Alto.
Racing Wire Service
Raiding officers reported finding racing wire service, loud speakers, form charts and other alleged bookmaking equipment at the two San Bruno pool halls.
About 15 persons in each place at the time of the raids were not arrested. Wright and young Sammut were’ said to have keen conducting a crap game, when Undersheriff Lawrence Nieri, Deputy Sheriff Adolph Waldeck and officer Arthur Brillain arrived at the Sammut pool hall. The dice game "pot" of $160.86 was seized. Sammut Sr. and Magnuson were officiating at the loud speakers, the officers said. Sammut had an $88 "pool" and Magnuson had $894.50. The raid on the San Bruno pool hall was staged by Deputy Sheriffs Thomas Maloney, Hugh Williams, and Police Chief Thomas Maloney. There the officers seized $44.90 in cash.
Accused by Woman
Records show that McLeod was acquitted by a jury in Superior Court Judge Aylett Colban's court, Redwood City, six months ago of a charge of attacking a San Francisco mother at San Bruno. He was later arrested in a Sheriff's gambling raid in Belmont and fined, authorities said.
The six arrested yesterday were taken to South San Francisco for arraignment before Justice of the Peace W. H. Clay in the absence of Judge R. A. Rapsey of San Bruno who is vacationing. Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. witnessed the Newspaper of Joseph Sammut and Maltese In the News on 2 July 1937 at San Mateo Times, San Mateo, CA, USA; San Bruno Men Up for Arraignment
Arraignment of the six San Bruno defendants on felony and misdemeanor charges is scheduled next Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the court of Justice Wade H. Clay, South San Francisco. George Galea, 39, Kenneth McLoad, 25; Joe Sammut, 53, and Harold Magnuson, 32, are charged with felony counts of bookmaking. Joe Sammut, Jr., 21, and Armand Wright, 30, face misdemeanor gambling charges. They were arrested in two raids by San Bruno police and deputies of Sheriff McGrath, a week ago. All are at liberty on bail. Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was listed in the 1940 US Census of Joseph Sammut and Julia Celia Mager in 1940 at 709 Mills St, San Bruno, CA, USA; age 47, education - C-4; owner, "retail cigar store." Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. and (?) Maltese Owned Businesses were Maltese Business 2nd owner of Artichoke Joe's Casino, San Bruno. Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. received military draft notice on 16 October 1940 at 657 Huntington Ave, San Bruno, CA, USA, age 23, self employed, 659 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno, CA.

Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 13 December 1949: Artichoke Joe's Son Fined $500 For Bookmaking -- Joseph P. Sammut Jr., 32, son of the one-time San Francisco bookie, known as Artichoke Joe, was fined $500 and placed on a year’s probation by Superior Judge A. R. Cotton in Redwood City yesterday for book making. Otho M. Lites. 27, and Charles P. Grech, 21, two employees in young Sammut's San Bruno poolroom, were fined $250 each and placed on six months’probation. All pleaded guilty. They were arrested by representatives of Attorney General Fred N. Howser in a raid October 25. Judge Cotton also ordered the return to Sammut of $6000 in cash which officers seized in the pool-room.
Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. He owned several race horses. in 1950. He and Helen Marguerite Arana were listed in the 1950 US Census age 32, pool room, bar, retail liquor proprietor in San Bruno, CA, USA. Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. witnessed the Newspaper of Helen Marguerite Arana and Maltese In the News on 10 February 1951 at San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, CA, USA; ARTICHOKE JOE JR., BOOKIE, SUED BY WIFE -- Joseph, P. Sammut, 34, a San Bruno bookie known as “Artichoke Joe Jr.’ yesterday was sued for separate maintenance in San Mateo County Superior Court by his wife, Helen Marguerite. Mrs. Sammut asked for custody ,of the couple's four children, $1000 monthly allowance, $2500 in attorney fees and division of community property, including a home at 651 Huntington avenue, her husband's office, “Joe’s Pool Room,“ at 676 San Mateo avenue and various parcels of real estate. Sammut is the son of Joe Sammut Sr., a bookie who a few years ago was sentenced to the Federal penitentiary for perjury. “Artichoke Joe Jr.” himself was arrested for bookmaking in 1940 and 1949.

Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 16 November 1951: Artichoke Joe Jr. Will Close
Joe Sammut Jr. — more commonly known as "Artichoke Joe Junior” — promised yesterday that he would close his San Bruno cardroom. Sammut was summoned to a
conference with San Mateo District Attorney Louis B. DeMatties and San Bruno Police Chief William Maher after he took out one of the new $50 gambling stamps with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Joe Sammut Jr. denied that he was a gambler. He told. DeMatties he thought he needed the stamp for the cardroom he operates under his city poolroom permit. DeMatties replied that the purchase of the stamp carried the implication that Sammut intended to carry out some illegal activities. Sammut, who has a police record for bookmaking, said he would turn back his $50 stamp to the Bureau of Internal Revenue. The bureau’s local office said there was no provision for returning the gambling stamps.

Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 29 January 1952: 29 Gambling Stamps Sold Here in '52
Business has perked up for the Government’s new $50 gambling stamp since the first of the year. Whereas only five were sold here in the two months after the new law took effect on November 1, applications have been made for 29 more since New Year’s Day. The total now stands at 34 in Northern California.
Nine of the applicants gave the same address—661 Jackson street. The stamp is required of all bookies, lottery operators and punchboard dealers. In addition to : buying the stamp and having it on display, they must pay 10 per cent of their gross wagering transactions to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
The stamp is known officially as the Wagering Tax Stamp...[there were many applicants in China town]...
Art Sherry, chief of the Attorney General’s criminal division, said that his office was making careful lists of all applications for ne stamps.
"They are helping us a lot," he said, "They serve to Identify people."
In addition to the nine stamps at 661 Jackson street, another new San Francisco purchaser is Wilbur Lee Stump, operator of the "Blue Note" Club at 545 Post street.
The first stamp was purchased on November 1 by Thomas B. Rickey, 322 Hayes street, a pottery manufacturer who makos a hobby of collecting "firsts."
Other applications are in the following names: Joseph Sammut Jr., 709 Mill Ave., San Bruno...

Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 11 February 1958: Say San Bruno Brass -- 'Artichoke Joe Jr. Runs a Nice Place'
The Mayor of San Bruno, a city councilman and a police captain testified as character witnesses at a State liquor board hearing yesterday for Joseph Sammut Jr., a former bookmaker known as Artichoke Joe. Jr. Sammut is seeking restoration of the license for his tavern, Artichoke's, at 676 San Mateo avenue, San Bruno.
The license was suspended last year on grounds Sammut is not a fit and proper person to have a license and that he violated rules, anyway, by transferring the title to an aunt in order to conceal the true ownership. Mayor Robert B. Price told State Hearing Officer Ivores R. Dains at a Redwood City hearing that the tavern is run in an orderly manner and Sammut is an asset to the community.
Captain Russell Cunningham said the place “is not a police problem.” and City Councilman Richard Stagg declared he had himself advised Sammut several years ago to give up gambling.
“Everyone in town knows you can’t place a bet at Joe’s,” said Stagg. A fourth character witness, Josua Maule, a druggist, described Artichoke’s as “a nice place to drop into” and Sammut himself as “a good fellow ”. Sammut said under cross- examination that he began bookmaking at the age of 8 but had stopped after his arrest in 1949, when he was 32
Sammut said he started bookmaking because his father was sick and “I had to support the family.” Sammut’s father was once a big San Francisco bookmaker.
LICENSE TRANSFER Sammut said he transferred his bar license to his aunt, Antonia Baumann, 2799 Bryant street, San Francisco, because District Attorney Louis B. DeMatteis told him he would have to get rid of it. DeMatteis is now & Superior Judge in San Mateo county. Sammut said he had successfully served a six months’ period of probation for his 1949 bookmaking arrest, and that the conviction has now been expunged from the record.
Asked if the bar alone supplies him with an adequate living, he philosophized:
“The bar is making money now, but the bar business runs in seven-year cycles like the Bible says — seven lean years and seven good years.” Dains took the case under consideration.

Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 16 February 1958: Good Guy
Artichoke Joe Jr., by his own admission, became a bookie at the age of 8 because his father was sick and “I had to support the family/." Bookmaking was a family tradition —his father was once a big San Francisco bookie — and Artichoke Joe, real name: Joseph Sammut Jr, kept up the tradition until his arrest in 1949 when he was 32. After serving six months probation, Sammut went into a new profession and opened a tavern, Artichoke’s, in San Bruno. But the license was suspended last year on the grounds that Sammut was not a fit and proper person to have one and that he had violated the rules, anyway, by transferring the title to an aunt in order to conceal the true ownership. Artichoke Joe desperately wanted the license back. And last week, at a State liquor board hearing in Redwood City, he paraded an impressive cast of. character witnesses: San Bruno’s Mayor Robert Price, Police Captain Russell Cunningham and City Councilman Richard Stagg. All testified Sammut was a good guy and his place well run. “Everyone in town knows you can’t place a bet at Joe’s,” said Stagg. Asked if the bar alone supplied him with an adequate living, Artichoke Joe replied: “The bar is making money now, but the bar business runs in seven year cycles like the Bible says — seven lean years and seven good years.” State Hearing Officer Ivores Dains said he would take the case under consideration.

Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 13 May 1958: Artichoke Joe Decision to Be Altered
A decision by a State hearing officer denying a tavern license to Joseph Sammut Jr., a former bookie known as Artichoke Joe Jr., is going to be rewritten to modify some “harsh language” about San Bruno city officials. Russell S. Munro, director of the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, said yesterday he agrees with the conclusions of the hearing officer, Ivores Dains, but feels it contains “harsh language."
During the hearing on Sammut’s license application in February, San Bruno Mayor Robert B. Price, City Councilman Richard Stagg and Police Captain Russell Cunningham appeared as character witnesses. Sammut ran the Club Artichoke, at 676 San Mateo avenue in San Bruno, although the license had been in the name of an aunt, Antonia Baumann, since he was convicted in 1951 of bookmaking. In his ruling turning down Sammut’s application, Dains noted that Tanforan Race Track is within the San Bruno city limits and is perhaps one of largest taxpayers. “Under such circumstances,” wrote Dains, “we are inclined to think that the
stances,” wrote Dains, “we are inclined to think that the persons referred to by applicant Sammut have been exposed to horse race betting, legal and illegal, for so long a time as to be unable to see any wrong in wagering on the event of a race or in bookmaking, and we are unable to give much or any credence to their recommendations.”.

Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 11 February 1959: Herb Caen: .. . The glorious and/or notorious “Artichoke Joe” Sammut, who lost the likker license for his Club Artichoke in S’Bruno after the ABC learned he’d once been a bookie, is about to get it back—because of (or despite) glowing recommendations from the town’s Mayor, Police Chief and Big Banker. Damon Runyon, youse died too soon . . .

Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle on 8 May 1959: 'Artichoke Joe' Back on Right Track -- The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board ruled that Artichoke Joe has turned over a new leaf and shown a good heart.
And so Artichoke Joe was back operating his tavern of the same name in San Bruno yesterday, much to the satisfaction of city officials, who love him.
Artichoke—more formally known as Joseph Sammut, Jr., 42 — lost his liquor license last year after conceding that he had been a bookmaker since the age of 8. But, he added hastily, he had reformed in 1949.
San Bruno’s mayor, the police chief, a city councilman and a neighborhood druggist all took the stand to testify that the only nags ever mentioned in Artichoke Joe’s were the kind that called up to find out where their husbands were. After considerable thought the board reversed itself Wednesday and decided that Artichoke Joe could have his license back because he really had reformed. The new, law-abiding Artichoke, happy as a filly, said he felt it had been a tough race but he was glad he’d put on a strong finish in the stretch and had won by a nose going away. Note: Joe bought Poker Palace in 1979 at 2292 S. Carson St., Carson City, NV, USA. Joseph Simon Paul Sammut Jr. was mentioned in the Nevada Appeal on 4 September 2006: Old poker palace, surrounding property on the market for $3 million -- Monday, September 4, 2006
Artichoke Joe's Poker Palace was the social hub for seniors who liked to play cards and bingo. A family member describes it as a friendly place where players could be spotted for bingo games if they didn't have enough money. Soon it could become a development hub. Closed since the death of owner Joe Sammut on April 29, the 25-year-old gaming establishment is on the market for a restaurant, shopping center or other commercial operation. "I think it's an extremely valuable property because of its location, fronting on Curry Street and (Highway) 395," said Joan Reid, a friend of the former owner, and a Carson City attorney who is representing the estate. "The building itself has a lot of potential." The artichoke signs have been taken down and the 2292 S. Carson St. building looks its age - Sammut bought the property in 1976 - but it has several touches that mark it as an early Carson City gaming property, said Bob Fredlund, an agent with Coldwell Banker Best Sellers.

The 9,566-square-foot building contains a long, plywood bar where many locals purchased beer and spirits in its heyday. On the opposite wall are the chalk racing boards, used in the era before digital reader boards. The bingo tables are grouped in the center of the room. Artichoke Joe poker chips are still stored in the manager's office. He had pool tables, poker tables and many televisions. Sammut's passion for card games endured to the very end, his friends and family said. The 89-year-old died of cancer on in his home behind the casino, which is also included in the sale of the 2.6-acre property. "It was his life," said Reid. "He was down there dealing the night before he died. He loved it." The family also wishes to sell 1.8 acres adjacent to the casino property that contains a log home off Curry Street behind the Carson Quail Park shopping center. The family is asking $3.9 million for both properties, which are listed with Larry Messina, Coldwell Banker Commercial Premier Brokers and Coldwell Banker Best Sellers. Joe Sammut III, who lived in Carson City from 1981-1988, said his father would've liked one of the four children to continue operating the property, but all of them are engaged in their own businesses.

He lives in Auburn, Calif., and works in electronics manufacturing. Extended family also owns an Artichoke Joe's in San Bruno, Calif. The name "Artichoke Joe" was passed down from Sammut's father, who grew artichokes near his card house located in the Bay Area. "When my father first moved to Carson City he was on the outskirts of town, but now I see he's in the center of activity with the railroad museum next door," Joe Sammut said. "An expanded shopping center, or anything would go there because it gets so much traffic." In 2004, the car count for the area just north of the property at Stewart and South Carson streets was 46,500, according to real estate records.

     Lorraine K Schembri was born on 7 April 1920 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 10 in 1930 census; age 19 in 1940 census.¹ She married George F. Maunder. Lorraine K Schembri died on 26 February 1977 at San Mateo, CA, USA, at age 56.
     She was listed in the 1930 US Census of Emanuel Schembri and Annie Harrington in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 39, grain laborer.¹ Lorraine K Schembri was listed in the 1940 US Census of Emanuel Schembri and Annie Harrington in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 52, grain factory handy man.² Lorraine K Schembri was a cosmetologist in 1940. She was had the following children: Jolice Sellers. Diane Favon and Arthur Maunder. Her married name was Maunder.
Obituary: on 27 February 1977: MAUNDER. Lorraine K-— In San Mateo. Feb-26, 1977. Lorraine K. Maunder; dearly beloved wife of the late George F. Maunder; loved mother of Joice Seifers. Diane Favon and Arthur Maunder; dear' sister of Arthur Schambri and the late Bill Schembri; loving grandmother of Jeffrey and'Denby Sellers and Karen and Brian Pavon; also survived by many other nieces, nephews and friends; a native of San Francisco-.

     Lawrence Scarry was born circa 1891 in Malta; age 39 in 1930 census; age 48 in 1940 census.¹ He married Felicitas Catherine Bonnici, daughter of John Bonnici and Rosa Grech, in 1922; age 30.¹ Lawrence Scarry died on 11 February 1955 at Palo Alto, Santa Clara Co., CA, USA. He was buried at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, Santa Clara, CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta in 1909 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He began military service on 5 March 1918 at San Francisco, CA, USA, US resident serving in Canadian Expeditionary Forces, WWI. As of 1930, Lawrence Scarry was also known as Lawrence Scerri.¹ He and Felicitas Catherine Bonnici were listed in the 1930 US Census Lawrence Scarry, age 39, street car conductor in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Lawrence Scarry emigrated from Malta on Ship Aquitania on 15 August 1930 to Ellis Island, New York, NY, USA. He and Felicitas Catherine Bonnici were listed in the 1940 US Census age 48, street car railroad conductor in Palo Alto, Santa Clara Co., CA, USA.² Lawrence Scarry received military draft notice in 1942 at Palo Alto, CA, USA, age 52, Market St. RR. He and Felicitas Catherine Bonnici were listed in the 1950 US Census age 59, lumber yard truck driver in Palo Alto, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 16 June 1955: Lawrence Scarry, resident of MV, passes at hospital
Lawrence Scarry, formerly of Palo Alto and a resident of Mountain View for the past five years, died yesterday afternoon at the Palo Alto Hospital.
Mr. Scarry, a native of the Island of Malta, was a truck driver for the Palo Alto Lumber Company, and was a member of the Teamsters’ Union. Local 287. He and his family had lived in Palo Alto for 13 years before moving to 218 Carmellta Dr.. Mountain View. He served in the Canadian Army during World War I.
He leaves his wife, Alice, and four children. John P. Scarry of Palo Alto, and Lawrence C., Gerald P., and Phillip E. Scarry, all of Mountain View. Three brothers, Joseph, Raphael and the Rev. Phillip Scarry are all of the Island of Malta. He Is also survived by eight grandchildren
Friends are Invited to attend the funeral services at 9:15 a m Saturday at the Hays Funeral Home, to be followed by a requiem mass at St. Josephs Catholic Church. Mountain View, beginning at 9:30 a m Interment will be in Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery.
The Rosary will be recited s’
8 p.m., Friday, at the Hays.      

     Felicitas Catherine Bonnici was born on 16 June 1900 in Malta; age 30 in 1930 census; age 39 in 1940 census.¹ She married Lawrence Scarry, son of (?) Scarry and (?) Qualliumain, in 1922; age 30.¹ Felicitas Catherine Bonnici died on 21 December 1983 at Palo Alto, CA, USA, at age 83. She was buried at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, Santa Clara, CA, USA.
     She emigrated from Malta in 1920 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Her married name was Scarry.¹ She and Lawrence Scarry were listed in the 1930 US Census Lawrence Scarry, age 39, street car conductor in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ As of 1930, Felicitas Catherine Bonnici was also known as Alice Bonnici.¹ She and Lawrence Scarry were listed in the 1940 US Census age 48, street car railroad conductor in Palo Alto, Santa Clara Co., CA, USA.² Felicitas Catherine Bonnici and Lawrence Scarry were listed in the 1950 US Census age 59, lumber yard truck driver in Palo Alto, CA, USA.

     John Philip Scarry was born on 13 March 1923 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 7 in 1930 census; age 17 in 1940 census.¹ He married (?) Smith. John Philip Scarry married Carole Ann Kuettel. John Philip Scarry married Verna Kostiha in 1981 at San Jose, CA, USA. John Philip Scarry died on 20 April 2013 at Cedar, MO, USA, at age 90.
     He was listed in the 1930 US Census of Lawrence Scarry and Felicitas Catherine Bonnici in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; Lawrence Scarry, age 39, street car conductor.¹ John Philip Scarry emigrated with Lawrence Scarry on 15 August 1930 at Ellis Island, New York, NY, USA; on Ship Aquitania. John Philip Scarry was listed in the 1940 US Census of Lawrence Scarry and Felicitas Catherine Bonnici in 1940 at Palo Alto, Santa Clara Co., CA, USA; age 48, street car railroad conductor.² John Philip Scarry was living in El Dorado Springs, MO, USA.
Obituary: on 2 May 2013: Father:      Lorenzo Scarry
Mother:      Felicita Scarry.

     Lawrence Calcedon Scarry was born on 9 October 1927 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 2 9/12 in 1930 census; age 12 in 1940 census.¹ He married Helen J. Munson. Lawrence Calcedon Scarry died on 4 August 1970 at age 42.
     He was listed in the 1930 US Census of Lawrence Scarry and Felicitas Catherine Bonnici in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; Lawrence Scarry, age 39, street car conductor.¹ Lawrence Calcedon Scarry emigrated with Lawrence Scarry on 15 August 1930 at Ellis Island, New York, NY, USA; on Ship Aquitania. Lawrence Calcedon Scarry was listed in the 1940 US Census of Lawrence Scarry and Felicitas Catherine Bonnici in 1940 at Palo Alto, Santa Clara Co., CA, USA; age 48, street car railroad conductor.² Lawrence Calcedon Scarry was listed in the 1940 US Census of Lawrence Scarry and Felicitas Catherine Bonnici in 1950 at Palo Alto, CA, USA; age 59, lumber yard truck driver.

     Patrick Scerri was born circa 1898 in Malta; age 32 in 1930 census.¹
     He emigrated from Malta in 1920 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. As of 1930, Patrick Scerri was also known as Patrick Sherry.¹ He was listed in the 1930 US Census age 32, hardwood floor layer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

     Pacifico Vella was born on 3 June 1890 in Mosta, Malta; age 39 in 1930 census.^1,2 He was issued a Maltese Passport age 19 on 31 August 1909. Declared destination was San Francisco, CA, USA.² He married Alma Solari circa 1921; ages 30 and 29.¹ Pacifico Vella died on 6 August 1972 at San Mateo Co., CA, USA, at age 82.
     He received military draft notice in 1917 at San Francisco, CA, USA. He was a contractor teamster in 1930. He and Alma Solari were listed in the 1940 US Census age 49, farmer in Merced, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 8 August 1972: Vella, Pacifico (Pete) – At rest August 6, 1972 Pacifico (Pete) Vella, beloved husband of Alma Vella, loving father of Joseph and Yvonne Vella; grandfather of Robin and Denise Vella; uncle of Pual Vella; brother-in-law of Antoine and Madeline Solari, Richa dna M. and Winona Brasesco, Edward and Ethel Brasesco, Ellwood and Alice Sullivan and Edward Bancnero; also survived by nieces and nephews; a native of Malta, aged 82 years. Pacifico Vella was also known as Pete Vella.

     Alma Solari was born circa 1892 in CA, USA; age 38 in 1930 census.¹ She married Pacifico Vella, son of Grazio Vella and Giovanna Zammit, circa 1921; ages 30 and 29.¹ Alma Solari died on 19 January 1974 at San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, CA, USA.
     As of circa 1921,her married name was Vella. She and Pacifico Vella were listed in the 1940 US Census age 49, farmer in Merced, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 21 January 1974: VELLA, Alma T. — January 19, 1974. Alma T. Vella, beloved wife of the late Pacifico Vella, devoted mother of Joseph Vella: idolized grandmother of Robin end Denise Vella: dear sister of Richard M. and Edward J. Brasesco, Alice E, Sullivan, and the late Anton Solari and Palmira Banchero; mother-in-law of Yvonne Vella, survived by nieces and nephews. Parents: Parents born in Italy.

     Joseph Pacific Vella was born on 17 August 1923 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 6 in 1930 census.^2,1 He married Kathleen (?) Joseph Pacific Vella married Yvonne E. Egeberg on 28 September 1957 at San Francisco, CA, USA. Joseph Pacific Vella died on 29 March 1985 at Burlingame, San Mateo Co., CA, USA, at age 61.
     He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Pacifico Vella and Alma Solari in 1940 at Merced, CA, USA; age 49, farmer. Joseph Pacific Vella received military draft notice on 30 June 1942 at Delhi, Merced Co., CA, USA, age 18; works for father's dairy. He began military service between 1945 and 1946 Enlistment Branch:      ARMY; Enlistment Date:      3 Nov 1944; Discharge Date:      22 Nov 1946. He and Kathleen (?) were listed in the 1950 US Census age 26, wholesale carpet co. carpet layer in San Francisco, CA, USA.
Obituary: on 2 April 1985: VELLA. Joseph P. At rest in Burlingame, March 29, 1985; beloved husband of Yvonne E. Veila; loving father of Robin D. Vella and Denise R. Vella: devoted nephew of Alice aumvan, toward ana tinei eracesco and Richard Bracesco; also survived by numerous cousins and other relatives; US Army Vet. WWII; longtime Member in good standing of the Carpet, Linoleum and Soft Tile Workers Union Local 1235, SF: a 38 year employee of Conkhn Brothers; Member of United Commercial Travelers of America; native of SF; age 61 years.

     Paul Vella was born on 24 May 1894 in Rabat, Malta; age 36 in 1930 census.^1,2 He was issued a Maltese Passport age 25, whitewasher on 5 August 1919. Declared destination was Canada.² He was issued a Maltese Passport age 26, whitewasher on 23 March 1920. Declared destination was USA.²
     Paul Vella was also known as Paolo Vella.² He emigrated from Malta in 1920 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He was listed in the 1930 US Census age 32, sugar factory laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

     Peter Paul Vella was born on 25 January 1899 in Zejtun, Malta; age 31 in 1930 census.^1,2 He was issued a Maltese Passport age 20, shipwright on 9 December 1919. Declared destination was USA.²
     Peter Paul Vella was also known as Pietro Paolo Vella.² He emigrated from Malta in 1929 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He was listed in the 1930 US Census age 31, hospital patient, metal polisher in San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Research: A P. P. Vella was asked to give a lecture on the Maltese victory over the Turks in 1565 at the Maltese Club. in 1930. He and Peter Paul Vella were possibly the same person.

     Mary Attard was born on 28 October 1910 in Mosta, Malta.² She married Paul Richard Vella, son of Luca Vella and Paula Gauci, circa 1928 at Mosta, Malta; age 24 and 17.¹ Mary Attard died on 22 December 1932 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 22.³ She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, USA.
     Mary Attard was also known as Maria Attard.² Her married name was Vella. She and Paul Richard Vella were listed in the 1930 US Census age 27, furniture finisher in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹

     Joseph Vella was born on 2 February 1888 in Malta; age 42 in 1930 census.¹ He married Anne F. Paulsen. Joseph Vella died on 4 November 1959 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 71. He was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, CA, USA.
     He emigrated from Malta in 1915 to San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA. He received military draft notice on 5 June 1917 at San Francisco, CA, USA, age 29, unemployed dish washer. He began military service WWI: CPL US ARMY. He was listed in the 1930 US Census age 42, odd jobs laborer in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ He and Anne F. Paulsen were listed in the 1940 US Census age 52, US Post Office janitor in San Mateo Co., CA, USA. Joseph Vella and Anne F. Paulsen were listed in the 1950 US Census age 62, no occupation in San Francisco, CA, USA.

     Josephine Zahra was born on 15 March 1908 in Malta; age 23 in 1930 census; age 32 in 1940 census.¹ She died on 3 April 1976 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 68. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     Josephine Zahra was also known as Giuseppa Zahra.² She was listed on a passenger list with Theresa Gauci on 28 May 1920 at New York, NY, USA; age 35, and 3 children on a ship named Saint Paul. Spent 3 months on Ellis Island because Carmela, age 10, had yellow fever. Josephine Zahra was listed in the 1930 US Census of Charles Zahra and Theresa Gauci in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 45, state blg janitor.¹ Josephine Zahra and Charles Zahra were listed in the 1940 US Census age 57, widowed, railroad janitor in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.³ Josephine Zahra and Charles Zahra were listed in the 1950 US Census age 67, widowed in San Francisco, CA, USA. Josephine Zahra was naturalized on 18 June 1968 at San Francisco, CA, USA.

     James John Zahra was born on 15 June 1909 in Malta; age 21 in 1930 census.¹ He married Dorothy Zammit, daughter of Frank Zammit and May Concetta Vassallo, on 20 June 1936 at San Francisco, CA, USA. James John Zahra died on 27 May 1964 at San Francisco, CA, USA, at age 54. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     James John Zahra was also known as Gio Maria Zahra.² He was listed on a passenger list with Theresa Gauci on 28 May 1920 at New York, NY, USA; age 35, and 3 children on a ship named Saint Paul. Spent 3 months on Ellis Island because Carmela, age 10, had yellow fever. James John Zahra was listed in the 1930 US Census of Charles Zahra and Theresa Gauci in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 45, state blg janitor.¹ James John Zahra was naturalized in 1937 at CA, USA; a machinist; witnesses were parents in law.
Obituary: on 29 May 1964: ZARA May 27. 1964. James, beloved husband of Dorothy Zara. devoted fathe' of Jordan and Norman Zara. endeared brother ol John and Jo sephine Zara anc! Mrs. Carmen Borg. A native of Malta. A memher of the Machinists Union. Local 68.

     John Joseph Zahra was born on 14 May 1921 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 8 in 1930 census; age 19 in 1940 census.¹ He died on 4 January 1982 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA, at age 60. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, San Mateo Co., CA, USA.
     He was listed in the 1930 US Census of Charles Zahra and Theresa Gauci in 1930 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 45, state blg janitor.¹ John Joseph Zahra was listed in the 1940 US Census of Charles Zahra and Josephine Zahra in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 57, widowed, railroad janitor.² John Joseph Zahra began military service WWII veteran. He was listed in the 1940 US Census of Charles Zahra and Josephine Zahra in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 67, widowed.
Obituary: on 6 January 1982: ZARA, John J. At rest. Jan 4. 1982. a native of S F , CA, aged 60 years, a Veteran of WWII, a retired member ot the Brotherhood of Railway. Airline and Steamship Clerks.

     Evelyn Margaret Dunn was born on 27 January 1915 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 25 in 1940 census.¹ She married John James Tonna, son of Paul Tonna and Elizabeth Azzopardi, on 16 June 1934 at San Francisco, CA, USA.¹ Evelyn Margaret Dunn married Julio C Digiacomo on 21 July 1956 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Her married name was Tonna. Evelyn Margaret Dunn and John James Tonna were listed in the 1940 US Census age 31, printing pressman in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA.¹ Evelyn Margaret Dunn and John James Tonna were listed in the 1950 US Census age 41, printing lithographer in San Francisco, CA, USA. As of 21 July 1956,her married name was Digiacomo.

     Joan Henrietta Tonna was born on 12 October 1935 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 4 in 1940 census.¹ She married Joseph R Quinones on 17 July 1954 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Joan Henrietta Tonna was listed in the 1940 US Census of John James Tonna and Evelyn Margaret Dunn in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 31, printing pressman.¹ Joan Henrietta Tonna was listed in the 1940 US Census of John James Tonna and Evelyn Margaret Dunn in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 41, printing lithographer. As of 17 July 1954,her married name was Quinones. Research.

     Mary Jane Tonna was born on 5 September 1937 in San Francisco, CA, USA; age 2 in 1940 census.¹ She married William D Bennett on 6 October 1956 at San Francisco, CA, USA.
     Mary Jane Tonna was listed in the 1940 US Census of John James Tonna and Evelyn Margaret Dunn in 1940 at San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA, USA; age 31, printing pressman.¹ Mary Jane Tonna was listed in the 1940 US Census of John James Tonna and Evelyn Margaret Dunn in 1950 at San Francisco, CA, USA; age 41, printing lithographer. As of 6 October 1956,her married name was Bennett.