Pearl de Vere – Soiled Dove of Cripple Creek, Colorado
The story of Pearl de Vere is a captivating glimpse into the tumultuous world of the late 19th-century American West, specifically the burgeoning gold camp of Cripple Creek, Colorado. Her life, though tragically short, was marked by ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and a determination to rise above societal constraints. This article delves into the details of her life, her business, and the legacy she left behind in the annals of Cripple Creek’s colorful history.
The year was 1893. Cripple Creek, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, was experiencing a gold rush of epic proportions. However, a parallel economic downturn, known as the Silver Panic, was sweeping the nation. The shift to the gold standard had devastating effects, especially on silver mining towns and the fortunes of silver magnates like Horace Tabor. The ripple effects were felt even in Denver, where businesses, including establishments catering to the pleasures of the wealthy, began to suffer. It was amidst this economic uncertainty that Pearl de Vere made a shrewd decision, one that would forever link her name to the gold-laden streets of Cripple Creek.
Before her arrival in Cripple Creek, Pearl de Vere was known in Denver as Mrs. Martin. She had already established herself and accumulated a considerable sum of money catering to the city’s elite gentlemen. Her reputation preceded her – a woman of beauty, intelligence, and business acumen. Recognizing the changing tides in Denver, she sought new opportunities in Cripple Creek, a place where gold flowed freely and fortunes were being made overnight. It was a gamble, but one that would pay off handsomely, at least for a time.
Upon arriving in Cripple Creek, Pearl de Vere demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit by purchasing a modest frame house on Myers Avenue. This unassuming building would soon become the foundation for her future empire. Almost immediately, she opened her doors for "business," and her establishment became an instant success. At the age of 31, Pearl was described as a striking woman with fiery red hair, a strong will, and an astute understanding of the business world.
While details about her early life remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, it’s believed that Pearl de Vere was raised in a respectable family near Evansville, Indiana. Her family, it is said, believed she worked as a dress designer for the affluent women of the area, a far cry from the path she ultimately chose. This air of mystery only added to her allure and the fascination surrounding her persona.
Pearl de Vere catered to the wealthier clientele of Cripple Creek. Her establishment became renowned for the beauty of its ladies, their exquisite attire, and the high standards of care they received. Unlike many similar establishments of the time, Pearl ensured her ladies received regular medical examinations and were compensated generously for their services. This commitment to their well-being contributed to her success and solidified her reputation as a madam who cared for her employees. Despite the disdain of the "good" women of Cripple Creek society, Pearl made daily appearances in town in a small, open carriage drawn by a team of magnificent black horses. She was always impeccably dressed, each outfit more stunning than the last. Her elaborate costumes were the envy of many women and had the desired effect on the men, who watched her with admiration.
Her flamboyant displays and the presence of her ladies shopping on Bennett Avenue, the town’s main thoroughfare, caused consternation among the more "respectable" women of Cripple Creek. They voiced their concerns, leading to Marshal Wilson implementing regulations that restricted the shopping hours of "the girls" to off-peak times. Furthermore, a monthly tax was imposed on each "working lady," with an additional fee levied on the madams. Despite these measures, the demand for the services offered by parlor houses remained high, and Pearl continued her carriage rides, seemingly unfazed by the controversy she generated. Children were even forbidden from walking near Myers Avenue and told to shield their eyes when Pearl’s carriage passed by.
In 1895, Pearl’s life took an unexpected turn when she married C.B. Flynn, the owner of a local mill. However, marriage did not deter her from continuing to manage her thriving business. Their union was short-lived. A devastating fire swept through Cripple Creek, destroying Flynn’s mill, Pearl’s business, and a significant portion of the town’s commercial district. The fire left Flynn financially ruined, forcing him to accept a job smelting iron and steel in Monterrey, Mexico. Pearl, however, remained in Cripple Creek, determined to rebuild her establishment and reclaim her position in the town’s social and economic landscape.
Undeterred by the fire’s devastation, Pearl de Vere embarked on a grand project: the construction of "The Old Homestead," a two-story brick building that would become the most opulent parlor house Cripple Creek had ever seen. Opening its doors in 1896, The Old Homestead was a testament to Pearl’s ambition and unwavering commitment to providing the finest experience for her clientele. She spared no expense in its decoration, importing wallpaper from Paris, furnishing it with exquisite hardwood furniture, expensive carpets, crystal electric chandeliers, and leather-topped gaming tables. The house even boasted modern amenities such as a telephone, an intercom system, and two bathrooms – luxuries that were rare at the time.
With the help of four beautiful women, Pearl transformed The Old Homestead into the most talked-about establishment in Cripple Creek. Its reputation extended far beyond the town’s borders, attracting wealthy clientele from as far away as Denver. Access to The Old Homestead was exclusive, requiring references from prospective guests. With a nightly rate of $250, a staggering sum when the average miner earned around $3 a day, only the wealthiest could afford to indulge in its offerings. Reservations were typically required, adding to the air of exclusivity and allure.
The Old Homestead was renowned for its lavish parties, complete with tropical flowers, gourmet food, and the finest liquors. On June 4, 1897, Pearl hosted an extravagant party sponsored by a wealthy admirer from Poverty Gulch. The townspeople watched in awe as cases of French champagne, Russian caviar, and Alabama Wild Turkey were delivered to the parlor. Two orchestras were brought in from Denver to provide entertainment. This event was to be the party of the year. Little did anyone know how prophetic that statement would be.
Pearl, resplendent in an $800 shell pink chiffon gown adorned with sequins and seed pearls imported from Paris, was the epitome of glamour that evening. As the night wore on, she consumed too much alcohol and excused herself to her bedroom upstairs. In an attempt to aid sleep, Pearl took some morphine, a common practice at the time.
During the night, one of her ladies checked on Pearl and found her lying in bed, still wearing the chiffon gown. Her breathing was labored, and she was unresponsive. A doctor was summoned immediately, but it was too late. In the early morning hours of June 5, 1897, at the age of 36, Pearl de Vere passed away.
The coroner determined that Pearl’s death was the result of an accidental morphine overdose taken to induce sleep. While most newspapers reported this as fact, at least one insinuated that she had committed suicide. However, most historians dispute this theory, arguing that Pearl was at the height of her success and had no apparent reason to end her life.
Pearl’s body was taken to Fairley Bros. and Lampman undertakers. When her relatives were notified, her sister traveled from Indiana. The sister believed that Pearl worked as a dressmaker. She was horrified to discover that Pearl had dyed red hair and learn of her true profession. Angered by the undertaker for allowing her to make the journey, she refused any responsibility for her sister’s remains.
After Pearl was abandoned by her sister, it was discovered that she was not as wealthy as everyone believed. Her estate lacked the funds for a proper burial. Pearl’s clientele proposed auctioning off her beautiful French gown, but before this could happen, a communication arrived from Denver containing $1,000 with instructions that she be buried in the pink gown.
Pearl was interred with great ceremony. The funeral procession was led by the Elks Band, playing the Death March, and escorted by four mounted policemen. Carriages followed, filled with businessmen, ladies from "The Row," and miners from the camp. Pearl’s lavender casket, covered with red and white roses, was lowered into her grave at the foot of Mt. Pisgah Cemetery and marked with a wooden marker.
Within a few years, Pearl and her grave were largely forgotten. It wasn’t until the 1930s, when Cripple Creek began promoting tourism with Cripple Creek Days, that interest in her story was revived. Her grave had become lost in a weed-filled corner of the cemetery, and her name was nearly eroded from the wooden marker.
A campaign was launched to replace the wooden marker, and the Wilhelm Monument Company donated a white marble heart-shaped stone that now marks her grave. The original wooden marker is now on display at the Cripple Creek District Museum.
The Old Homestead continued to operate until 1917, later serving as a boarding house and a private residence.
In 1957, the owners of the house discovered many original items and decided to share the house with the public. After extensive renovations, The Old Homestead opened as a museum in June 1958. Filled with original furniture and displays that tell the story of Cripple Creek’s underbelly, the house is the only original parlor house to survive. Knowledgeable guides share the story of the house, Pearl de Vere, and Cripple Creek in 30-minute tours from Memorial Day through October.
Located on Myers Avenue, the museum is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in summer and winter weekends until Christmas.
Old Homestead House Museum
353 Myers Avenue
Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813