Brothel Museum, Cripple Creek, Colorado – Legends of America
Nestled in the historic town of Cripple Creek, Colorado, the Old Homestead House Museum stands as a captivating testament to the region’s vibrant and often tumultuous past. This unassuming building, with its weathered facade and echoes of a bygone era, was once the site of a thriving brothel during the Colorado gold rush of the 1890s. Today, it serves as a unique museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the women who worked there and the men who sought their company.
A Glimpse into Cripple Creek’s Gold Rush Era
Cripple Creek, located in the shadow of Pikes Peak, experienced a dramatic transformation in the late 19th century with the discovery of gold. The town quickly became a magnet for prospectors, miners, and entrepreneurs, all seeking their fortune in the Rocky Mountains. As the population swelled, so did the demand for entertainment and recreation, leading to the establishment of saloons, gambling halls, and brothels.
The Old Homestead House Museum stands as a reminder of this era, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the women who worked there and the men who sought their company. The museum is located in Cripple Creek’s Old Red Light District, tours include the history of the famous Parlor House, Myers Avenue, and the Cripple Creek Gold Rush. The Old Homestead is on Myers Avenue, one block from Cripple Creek’s main street, Bennett Avenue, and is open from Memorial Day through September. Group rates are available and open anytime for a group of 6 or more.
Pearl DeVere: The Madam with a Vision
The Old Homestead’s story is inextricably linked to Pearl DeVere, a prominent madam who built and owned the establishment in 1896. Pearl was a woman of ambition and vision, determined to create the finest and most exclusive brothel in Cripple Creek. She spared no expense in constructing the building, which featured lavish furnishings, elegant décor, and private rooms for her clientele.
Pearl was known for her beauty, charisma, and business acumen. She carefully selected the women who worked for her, ensuring that they were attractive, intelligent, and capable of providing a high level of service. She also implemented strict rules and regulations to maintain order and decorum within the establishment.
To gain access to Pearl’s exclusive brothel, men were required to submit a financial application, demonstrating their ability to afford the services offered. Appointments were necessary, ensuring that each client received personalized attention and discretion.
Pearl’s brothel quickly became a popular destination for Cripple Creek’s elite, including wealthy miners, businessmen, and politicians. The establishment was renowned for its opulence, its discreet service, and the beauty of its "soiled doves," as the women who worked there were often called.
A Tragic End and a Lasting Legacy
Tragically, Pearl DeVere’s life was cut short just a year after building her dream brothel. She died of a morphine overdose, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate and intrigue visitors to this day.
Pearl’s funeral was said to be the largest that Cripple Creek had ever seen, a testament to her popularity and the impact she had on the community. Her death marked the end of an era for the Old Homestead, but the brothel continued to operate under new management for several years.
The Old Homestead House Museum: A Window into the Past
Today, the Old Homestead House Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a 1890s brothel. The museum has been carefully preserved, with many of the original furnishings and décor still in place.
Visitors can explore the various rooms of the brothel, including the parlor, the bedrooms, and the madam’s office. They can also learn about the lives of Pearl DeVere and the women who worked for her, gaining insights into their motivations, their challenges, and their dreams.
The museum’s exhibits provide a balanced and informative perspective on the history of prostitution in Cripple Creek, acknowledging the complexities and nuances of this often-overlooked aspect of the town’s past.
Haunted Tales and Lingering Spirits
Adding to the museum’s allure are the numerous reports of paranormal activity. According to staff and visitors, the Old Homestead is haunted by the spirits of its former residents, particularly the "soiled doves" who once graced its halls.
Visitors have reported feeling cold spots, hearing unexplained noises, and sensing the presence of unseen entities. Some have even claimed to have seen apparitions of the women who once worked at the brothel, watching them as they explore the museum.
During recent construction work, several workers reported feeling watched by the former "girls" of the house. Others have felt someone touching them or sensed movement out of the corner of their eye. Several people have reported that three former soiled doves continue to reside at the old parlor house.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the stories of hauntings add an extra layer of intrigue to the Old Homestead House Museum, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
Visiting the Old Homestead House Museum
The Old Homestead House Museum is open from Memorial Day through September. Group rates are available and open anytime for a group of 6 or more. Interestingly, the museum offers admission at half-price to children ages 10-13 and free for children under ten.
A visit to the Old Homestead House Museum is a must for anyone interested in the history of Cripple Creek, the Colorado gold rush, or the lives of the women who helped shape the American West.
Also See:
- Colorado Ghost Towns & Mining Camps
- Cripple Creek, Colorado
- Pearl de Vere – Soiled Dove of Cripple Creek
- Quirky Colorado
By visiting this unique museum, you can gain a deeper understanding of the town’s rich and colorful past, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the spirits who continue to call the Old Homestead home.