The Gray Wolves were corrupt Chicago aldermen who held office from the 1890s to the 1930s.[1]
The Gray Wolves were led by First Ward aldermen "Bathhouse" John Coughlin, "Hinky Dink" Mike Kenna, and Johnny Powers of the Nineteenth Ward.[1]
The Chicago City Council frequently gave franchises to private businesses to maintain public services. Many businesses bribed the aldermen to be awarded such contracts, a practice known as "boodling".[1]