ALCATRAZ HISTORY - Prisoner: Alvin "Creepy" Karpis (#325- AZ)
©2002 RJ Best
ALCATRAZ HISTORY
Alvin "Creepy" Karpis (#325- AZ)
Born Alvin Karpawicz on August 10, 1907, Alvin "Creepy"
Karpis spent more time on Alcatraz than any other inmate –
over 26 years. His flamboyant robbery style incurred the wrath of
FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover, who despised Karpis so much that
he arrested him himself. He was the fourth and last man to become
Public Enemy Number One in 1934.
Karpis's life of crime seemed to begin after a doctor told him
to take an extended vacation because he had a leakage of the heart.
Alvin then went to live with his sister, Mrs. Bert Grooms, in Topeka,
Kansas and it was there that he began an active criminal career,
which eventually lead him to Ma Barker in Thayer, Missouri.
A burglary got him a ten-year sentence at the State Industrial
Reformatory at Hutchinson, Kansas in 1924. Karpis escaped, sought
refuge at his parents' home in Chicago, and was protected by their
silence until he moved on to Kansas City, Missouri, where he stole
a car and was sent back to the Reformatory as punishment for escaping.
In May 1930, he was transferred to Kansas State Penitentiary at
Lansing, Kansas, where he made the acquaintance of Fred Barker.
When Karpis was released in 1931, he and Barker met up in Tulsa,
Oklahoma and began a long career of bank robbery, theft, and murder.
Over time, he became part of the infamous Ma Barker gang, killing
law enforcement officials as well as law-abiding citizens who got
in his way.
Even after the Barkers were apprehended in 1935, Karpis eluded
capture for another 15 months, eventually taken into custody in
New Orleans in May 1936. He was 28 years old. Three months later,
Karpis found himself the newest resident of Alcatraz island. He
arrived just after the prison opened and left just before closed
in 1962.
His time on The Rock was spent mostly in the prison bakery –
when he wasn't fighting with other inmates, participating in strikes,
or creating disturbances. By all accounts, he was an excellent baker
(he'd worked in bakeries a bit before he opted for crime as a career).
He was transferred to McNeil Island in April 1962, where he spent
another seven years. While at McNeil, he taught a young inmate named
Charlie Manson how to play guitar.
In 1969, the federal prison system released him and deported him
to his native Canada, where he spent the next ten years writing
a book about his experience on Alcatraz. Karpis committed suicide
shortly after he moved to Spain in 1979 so he never saw the publication
of his book in 1980.
Karpis's conduct report:
http://www.notfrisco2.com/alcatraz/bios/karpis/cond325A.html
Copyright TourCorp Inc. 2003-08 - All Rights Reserved
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Golden Gate Bay Cruise - 1st reservation plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
BAY CRUISE: The one hour, headset narrated San Francisco Bay Cruise takes you out to the Golden Gate Bridge from Fisherman's Wharf. En route you will pass Fort Mason, the Marina District and the Presidio National Park. Cruise travels under the Golden Gate Bridge past Angel Island and around Alcatraz. Narrated in 8 languages.
Duration: Combo Tour - 1 hour Bay Cruise Alcatraz - 2-3 hours on same day.
Departure Dates & Times: Golden Gate Bay Cruise Departures start at 10:00 AM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability.
Departs from: Red and White Fleet Bay Cruise: Pier 43 1/2 Alcatraz Ferry: Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62 and older) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from: $16.00 - $22.00 (USD)
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California Sunset Cruise as a one reservation plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
SUNSET CRUISE: The California Sunset Cruise departs from Fisherman's Wharf. View the Marina, Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Bay Bridge and Downtown San Francisco Skyline lit up with splendor. Enjoy amazing sunsets and appetizers aboard this relaxed 2 hour cruise.
Duration: Combo Tour - 2 Hour Sunset Cruise Alcatraz 2-3 Hours on same day
Departure Dates & Times: Sunset Cruise: April through October Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Evenings Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability.
Departs from: Red and White Fleet Sunset Cruise: Pier 43 1/2 Alcatraz Ferry: Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62 and older) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from: $34.00 - $48.00 (USD)
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San Francisco Ultimate City Tour - 1st reservation plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
CITY TOUR: Your three hour City Tour tour will include three or four scheduled stops of 10-25 minutes each at selected landmarks. Enjoy ample time for photos and exploration at the Golden Gate Bridge and panoramic views from Twin Peaks. This is the most popular tour in San Francisco and is an excellent way to see the City in a short space of time or to orient you for a longer stay.
Duration: Combo Tour - 3 hours San Francisco City Tour Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours.
Departure Dates & Times: City Tour Daily, 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability
Departs from: City Tour: Hotel pick up or 2627 Taylor Street, San Francisco, CA 94133 Alcatraz Ferry: Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62 and older) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from: $25.00 - $46.00 (USD)
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Redwoods and Sausalito Tour - 1st reservation plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
MUIR WOODS / SAUSALITO: Tour across the Golden Gate Bridge with photo stop. Travel through Marin County to Muir Woods National Monument, a pristine, old growth forest of towering coastal redwoods. Time to stroll one of the park's paved trails and then to Sausalito. A waterfront artist's colony with a Mediterranean flavor. Ample time for lunch and browsing the shops along the charming waterfront.
Duration: Combo Tour - 3.5 to 4 hours Muir Woods Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours.
Departure Dates & Times: Muir Woods - Daily 9:00 AM or 1:40 PM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability
Departs from: Muir Woods Tour: Hotel pick up or 2627 Taylor Street, San Francisco, CA 94133 Alcatraz Ferry: Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62 and older) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from: $26.00 - $48.00 (USD)
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Segway Day Tour San Francisco PLUS Alcatraz as a separate reservation - 2 reservations and 2 separate charges
SEGWAY TOUR: The San Francisco Guided Segway Tour is the most sensational way to see the city by the bay! You will love gliding through the waterfront on a eco-friendly Segway. This journey will take you to the best views and hidden locations. Tour Overview: After a 40-45 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, you'll explore the San Francisco waterfront for two hours! Reservations are required. Easy to learn and fun to ride. Ages 12 and up are welcome.
Duration: Combo Tour : 2.5 hour Guided Segway Tour Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours.
Departure Dates & Times: Segway Daily 9:00 AM April - October or 10:30 AM September through March - Alcatraz as an Afternoon Departure
Departs from: 757 Beach Street - Rear parking lot, San Francisco CA 94109
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62 and older) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from: $70.00 - $70.00 (USD)
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San Francisco Night Segway Tour PLUS Alcatraz as a separate reservations - 2 reservations and 2 separate charges
SEGWAY NIGHT TOUR: The San Francisco Guided Segway Night Tour will take you to the best views and hidden locations of Fisherman's Wharf and the Waterfront. You will love sightseeing on an eco-friendly Segway. Tour Overview: After a 40-45 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, your fully narrated evening Segway tour will feature spectacular evening views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardeli Square, Municipal Pier and more. Reservations are required. Ages 12 and up are welcome.
Duration: Combo Tour : 2 Hour Guided Segway Night Tour Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours.
Departure Dates & Times: Segway Night Tour 4:30 PM Friday and Saturdays April - October or 7:00 PM September through March - Thursday - Sunday Alcatraz as an AM Departure
Departs from: 757 Beach Street - Rear parking lot, San Francisco CA 94109
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62 and older) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from: $70.00 - $70.00 (USD)
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San Francisco Double Decker Bus Downtown Loop - 1st reservation plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
DOUBLE DECKER BUS DOWNTOWN LOOP: Enjoy the San Francisco Downtown Hop-on Hop-off Loop Tour from the top deck of a open top English bus. The Downtown loop lets you customize your own tour with a 48-hour pass including 18+ hop on hop off stops at all major attractions. The fully narrated tour departs hourly between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Duration: Combo: Double Decker 48 Hour Hop On Hop Off Pass Alcatraz 2-3 Hours
Departure Dates & Times: Double Decker Daily, Open Ticket for Hourly Departures from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability
Departs from: 2800 Leavenworth St. Suite 14 1st Floor between Jefferson St and Beach St.
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62 and older) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from: $22.00 - $30.00 (USD)
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2 for 1 LOOPS San Francisco Double Decker Downtown Loop PLUS Golden Gate Loops as a 1st reservation plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
DOUBLE DECKER BUS TOUR COMBO: Enjoy the San Francisco Downtown Hop-on Hop-off Loop Tour and The Golden Gate Bridge open top bus tour for one low price. The Downtown loop lets you customize your own tour with a 48-hour pass including 18+ ho on hop off stops at all major attractions. The Bridge tour includes a picture stop at Vista Point.
Duration: COMBO Tour: 48 Hours unlimited use Hop on Hop Off Pass Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours.
Departure Dates & Times: Daily, Downtown Loop Departing Hourly from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM Golden Gate Loop Departs Daily at 9:00 AM or 4:00 PM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability
Departs from: 2800 Leavenworth St. Suite 14 1st Floor between Jefferson St and Beach St.
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62 and older) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from: $39.00 - $49.00 (USD)
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Wine Country PLUS Muir Woods Tour - 1st reservation plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
WINE COUNTRY & MUIR GIANT REDWOODS IN ONE DAY: The ONLY tour combining the two most popular destinations outside of San Francisco ! Groups no larger than 15 make this a great way to travel. The 8 hour tour starts with an extended stop in Muir Woods National Park. The afternoon is spent in Sonoma Valley for Wine tasting and then back through Sausalito and returning to San Francisco. Age 21 and up for Wine Tasting.
Duration: Combo Tour: 9 - 10 Hour Wine Country and Muir Woods Tour Alcatraz - 2-3 hours on a second day.
Departure Dates & Times: Wine Country and Muir Woods Tour Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday9:00 AM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability
Departs from: San Francisco Hotel Pick Up Provided (Not available from Airport Hotels)
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62 and older) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from: $70.00 - $79.00 (USD)
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Wine Country Tour - 1st reservation plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
WINE COUNTRY TOUR: Take in the best of California's world famous premium wine making region. You will be part of a group of 12-24 guests. The valleys of Napa and Sonoma lie 30 miles north of San Francisco and make up North America's premium wine making region. You will visit between 3 and 4 wineries including both a large vineyard and a smaller boutique winery. Age 21 and up for Wine tasting. Lunch not is included in the cost of tour. Most vineyards have tasting rooms where you will be able to purchase lunch.
Duration: Combo Tour - 7 to 8 hour Wine Country Tour Alcatraz - 2-3 hours on a second day.
Departure Dates & Times: Wine Country Tour Daily, 9:00 AM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability
Departs from: 2800 Leavenworth St. 1st Floor between Jefferson St and Beach St. or Hotel Pick Up
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62 and older) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from: $56.00 - $66.00 (USD)
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Monterey Carmel Tour - 1st reservation plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
MONTEREY & CARMEL TOUR : Tour goes south on Highway 1 through Santa Cruz. Every turn features one spectacular view after another. Scheduled stops include: Steinbeck's Cannery Row in Monterey, the gallery and restaurant district of Carmel-by-the-Sea and spectacular vistas along the 17 Mile Drive tm including Pebble Beach Golf Course and the Lone Cypress, Your tour returns through Silicon Valley, the high tech capital of the world. Approx. 2.25 Hours in Monterey and Cannery Row and 1.25 Hours in Carmel by the Sea.
Duration: Combo Tour 8-10 hour Monterey Carmel Tour Alcatraz - 2-3 hours on a second day.
Departure Dates & Times: Monterey Carmel Tour: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat at 9:00 AM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability
Departs from: 2800 Leavenworth St. 1st Floor between Jefferson St and Beach St. or Hotel Pick Up
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62 and older) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from: $50.00 - $66.00 (USD)
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COMBO San Francisco Fishermans Wharf Pass Plus Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour as a seperate reservation and charge
Wharf Pass: For ONE LOW WHARF PASS PRICE, get access to: * Choice of many Fisherman's Wharf family-friendly attractions, a popular sightseeing Hop On Hop Off tour of San Francisco and a San Francisco Bay Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
It’s easy! Present your Wharf Pass at each attraction or tour and you're in. Beginning the day you first use your Wharf Pass, you have two days to visit each attraction once. That's five of ten attractions to see over the course of two days – Save as much as 24.00 plus more with the 45 Wharf discounts!. Alcatraz is booked as a separate charge and reservation.
Duration: Combo: Add a 2-3 Hour Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour to your Wharf Pass Purchase
Departure Dates & Times: Wharf Pass is valid for 2 consecutive days from 1st use. Alcatraz Ticket will be scheduled based on availability.
Departs from: Redeem Wharf Pass voucher at 1st Wharf Pass location you visit in San Francisco Alcatraz Ferry Departs from Pier 33
Tour/Cruise Price from: $37.00 - $55.00 (USD)
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A very limited amount of Night Alcatraz Tours are available from
Thursday through Monday nights only. Departures are 4:10 PM or 5:10 PM. Higher Night Tour rate will be charged.
Ferry and Night Tour Departure Times are 4:10 PM and 5:10 PM. Please indicate if you want a Night Tour on your order.
If Night tours are unavailable a day Alcatraz tour if available will be reserved for you.
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Updated 08-19-08 Copyright TourCorp Inc. 2003-08 All Rights Reserved
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