David Spragg and I were both lucky enough to be given several pages of sample chips from the Taylor Company sample chips when the company’s inventory was bought out. There were T’s, Harps, Hubs, Cords and other assorted molds including a number of UFC’s.

I got the pink MFM chip back in 2007 and the record card soon after. The amounts ordered told me it was more than likely a Nashville illegal club and more than likely used in the well known cluster of Ilegals in Printers Alley. Never gave it much more thought.

David Spragg called it to my attention a few weeks ago. He had a pink one that he believed came from the Taylor samples found along with the Taylor records. Not sure where he got the black one. I checked my pink one and it had a note that it came from the Taylor samples also. Taylor did not sell Hub molds but there are several instances Taylor mention’s the Mason Company in their records. We think there was some kind of exchange of samples and dies when a customer crossed over to do reorder’s.

I firmly believe the MFM chips were used in two states. Soon after the first order in 1931, Francis “Doc” Mannion was arrested in a big illegal operation in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He fled the state, back to his home in Nashville. No record he ever went to trial in NC.

The 2nd order of MFM chips was in 1935. 4 years after the NC raid. I believe they were used in “Doc’s” Printers Alley and or Cheatham County, TN illegal clubs.

I told the story of Printers Alley in my “Illegal Of the Day Tennessee” post on 8/16/10. It has been reposted here. Scroll down to Rainbow Room, TN.
http://www.marlowcasinochips.com/links/genetrimble/genetrimble.htm

Enough of that:

North Carolina – Tennessee:

1931
Clairmont County Club
Hendersonville, North Carolina

1935
Swank Key Club
Printers Alley
Nashville. Tennesse

Pines Dinner Club
Cheatham County, Tennessee.

Enter my “Friend Of The Hobby.”

Michael Francis “Doc” Mannion, a son of Irish immigrants, was born in Nashville in 1887.
Around the time of the first chip order, Mannion was charged with operating gambling devices at a place called “Clairmont County Club” which was located just outside of Hendersonville, NC.

Burlington (NC) Daily Times—10august1931
(the trial was set to get underway August 10th--24 days after the date listed on the order card):

In 1950 during a Senate investigation, Mannion was listed as one of four Tennesseans who subscribed to
the race wire (the only one in Nashville).

Kingsport (TN) News—4july1950:

In 2008 Mannion’s grand-daughter, an attorney, was profiled in the Nashville Business Journal:

Her name is Michele Johnson, age 41, daughter of Mary Frances (Mannion) Johnson. Here’s her contact info: (deleted)

My Note: I spoke to Michele. Very nice woman and very busy with fixing dinner for several children when I called. IMO an attorney with 3 young children has a right to be busy.
Michele was not aware of her grandfathers North Carolina illegal Club operation. 80 years is a long time.

She did not have a lot more info on Doc. Her Mother, Doc’s daughter, is still alive but because of her age it is difficult for her to talk on the phone.