The Unlikely Connection Between Amy Vanderbilt and Bumpy Johnson

Amy Vanderbilt, renowned for her expertise in etiquette, and Bumpy Johnson, a prominent figure in Harlem's underworld during the mid-20th century, may seem like unlikely associates. However, an intriguing connection between these two individuals exists, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of their lives.

  1. Amy Vanderbilt:

    • Amy Vanderbilt was a prominent American authority on etiquette and manners during the mid-20th century.
    • She authored the bestselling book "Amy Vanderbilt's Complete Book of Etiquette," which became a definitive guide for social decorum.
  2. Bumpy Johnson:

    • Ellsworth Raymond Johnson, better known as Bumpy Johnson, was a notorious figure in Harlem's organized crime scene during the 1930s and 1940s.
    • He was known for his influence in the numbers racket, as well as his involvement in various criminal activities.
  3. The Connection:

    • Despite their seemingly disparate worlds, Amy Vanderbilt and Bumpy Johnson crossed paths under unusual circumstances.
    • Legend has it that Vanderbilt and Johnson attended the same social events in New York City during the mid-20th century.
    • While Vanderbilt represented high society and refined manners, Johnson was a figure associated with the underworld and street culture.
  4. Speculation and Rumors:

    • Speculation and rumors abound regarding the nature of Vanderbilt and Johnson's interactions.
    • Some suggest that Vanderbilt may have attended social gatherings hosted by individuals with ties to organized crime, where she could have encountered Johnson.
    • However, concrete evidence of their relationship, if any, remains elusive.
  5. Legacy:

    • Both Amy Vanderbilt and Bumpy Johnson left indelible marks on American history, albeit in vastly different spheres.
    • Vanderbilt's legacy endures through her contributions to etiquette and social conduct, while Johnson's legacy is rooted in the complex history of Harlem's underworld.

The connection between Amy Vanderbilt, the doyenne of etiquette, and Bumpy Johnson, the infamous Harlem underworld figure, remains a tantalizing enigma. While their paths may have crossed in the social milieu of mid-20th century New York City, the true nature of their relationship remains shrouded in mystery, leaving room for speculation and intrigue.