Michael Sauers

Decamber 5, 2025

Fourth and Center Streets in Kelayres, PA is not where you would expect a drama like the Kelayres Massacre to occur but it did. On November 5, 1934, 5 people were gunned down and approximately 2 dozen others were wounded. It was political to the core with Republicans, the Bruno clan, firing upon Democrats led by the McAlooses (Macalusos). The Brunos hailed from the Calabria region of Italy while the Macalusos came from the Montedora region of Scicily.

This brutal attack, in an off the beaten path village in Schuylkill County, made national news and received recognition from high level elected officials. How and why the Bruno clan made Kelayres/Kline Township their domain escapes all logic. Even in its heyday it was a geographical footnote with no significant role in local, regional or county politics. Around 1907, the Brunos saw Kelayres and all of Kline Township as ripe for dictitorial control. Led by Joseph James (Big Joe) Bruno they took control of the schools and key aspects of local government. School board director, school principal, tax collector, justice of the peace, county detective and bank officer were all in their bailiwick. They controlled school buses, teacher hires, ran slot machines, bootlegged coal and ran a brothel. For approximately 28 years they held a tight reign on their fiefdom.

But, as we all know, nothing lasts forever. The controlled fought back. In 1933-34, the Macaluso faction won a series of local elections thereby giving them control of local government. Joe Bruno tried to head this disaster off by confiscating the ballot box and sequestering it in his house. Several days later the ballot box emerged and the Brunos were proclaimed winners. This resulted in open challenges, including brawling and the destruction of school property as well as legal proceedings.

On the eve of November 5, rallies were held by both parties in anticipation of the next day’s election. Tensions ran high and eventually led to the Brunos opening fire upon the parading Macaluso faction. Five people were killed and 2 dozen were wounded. A police search of the Bruno residence led to the discovery and confiscation of three rifles, three shotguns, six revolvers and hundreds of bullets. A slew of Brunos were arrested, tried and convicted on various counts of murder and manslaughter. They were all sentenced to long prison terms in state prisons. As time passed, all Bruno family prisoners were paroled including “Big Joe” Bruno.

Hold on, hold on! Before the above scenario unfolded “Big Joe”, with the help of several accomplices, escaped from prison and eluded authorities for eight months. He was found living in Manhattan under an assumed identity. He was returned to prison, eventually paroled and died in 1951.

I have a personal connection to this story. My mother, Rita McGeehan-Hissick was a close friend of Margaret (Peggy) Dailey who was the girlfriend and eventual wife of Victor Bruno. Victor was a son of Phillip Bruno, one of the convicted shooters. She and several girlfriends had accompanied Peggy to visit Victor that eventful day. While they did not witness any shooting, they certainly heard the shots. Shortly afterwards they were ushered out of the house under the cover of darkness and police protection. In the aftermath of the shootings the police conducted a brief investigation which involved surrounding and protecting the Bruno residence. Shortly thereafter weapons were found and arrests were made. My mother and girlfriends were questioned but nothing ever came of it.

Also, as it turns out, every time I visit my paternal great grandparents, grandparents and parents gravesites in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, I am reminded of the story because the entire Bruno/Orlando burial site is immediately adjacent.

There are several books about the Kelayres Massacre. I recommend, The Kelayres Massacre, by Stephanie Hoover.