Dumas Brothel Museum - Butte, MT
N 46° 00.688 W 112° 32.033
12T E 381252 N 5096465
Opened in 1890 as a "parlor house," the Dumas was once at the heart of Butte's red-light district. It was the country's longest-running house of prostitution, closing in 1982 (for income tax violations).
Waymark Code: WM7TYJ
Location: Montana, United States
Date Posted: 12/04/2009
Views: 4
The 1890 Victorian Brothel stands three stories and features skylights, forty-three seperate rooms, several large parlor rooms, and the basement which holds several “cribs”, smaller rooms with just enough space for a bed. The rear entrance of the hotel was in a small brick-lined alley known as "Venus Alley".
When the last Madame, Ms. Ruby Garrett, could no longer afford to pay income taxes, the building was purchased by Rudy Giecek, a local man interested in preserving the building and its history. Work was conducted to restore structual and conservation needs. Under the guidance of its current owner, the Dumas Brothel has been turned into a museum of prostitution that offers up helpings of sleaze, kitsch, and history. When the long-closed rooms in the basement were reopened, they revealed "intact time capsules" - cigarette packs, liquor bottles, playing cards, and a rare White Cross model no. 26 metal vibrator, made in the pre-World War I era.
The Dumas Brothel continues fundraising efforts to restore the upper level of the building.
Days and Hours of Operation:
**Please note that this waymark is of an adult nature and may not be suitable for persons of all ages - use your own discretion in visiting it**
As in its days of operation, there are no signs that advertise that this unsuspecting building is a museum. It is, however, listed in the National Register of Historical Places, and its plaque. located next to the front entracne, is the only hint as to the structure's identity.
During its regular season, a hand-made sign may be attached to the front railing indicating that the house is open for tours.
Season: May - August
Hours: Daily 10:00am - 5:00pm
Tours offered, Handicap Accessible
Address:
45 E Mercury St
Butte, MT US
59701
Related Website: [Web Link]
Price of Admission: 6.00 (listed in local currency)
What is in the collection:
Victorian era brothel artifacts
History of Butte's Red-Light District
|
Visit Instructions:
Post your own original photo as proof of your visit.
Tell us about your visit. What item in the museum did you like the best? What did you like the least? Would you recommend others visit the museum?
Recent Visits/Logs:
| There are no logs for this waymark yet. |
|
|
|