Old Homestead House present day |
Old Homestead House - 1950s picture |
Pearl De Vere began her business career in Denver and became wealthy by catering to only the richest men. She came to Cripple Creek in 1893 to capitalize on the wealth created by the gold rush. One night with one of her 'girls' cost upwards of $250! And this was in a time when $3 a day was considered good wages for a miner. Needless to say, most of her clientele were the wealthy business men of the District.
Parlour |
In 1897, Pearl was found unconscious in her room and later died from an overdose of morphine. Her death was ruled an accidental overdose but many suspected it to be suicide because she had been scorned by a previous lover.
Pearl's funeral filled the streets of Cripple Creek. A brass band led the funeral procession to Mt. Pisgah Cemetery.
Today the old Parlour House is a museum with the majority of the original furnishings. A fun and knowledgeable staff are ready to give guided tours.
Here is a link to our visit to the classiest bawdy house in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. CLICK HERE!
2 comments:
Oh, my! :-)
My mom and I were once touring around the French
District of New Orleans at night and we walked too
far. All of a sudden the mood changed and then we
spotted red lights in the windows. We got out of
there fast!
Fascinating history! Red velvet wallpaper, oh my.
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