You may not see one particular fact from the history of Fort Smith, Arkansas, displayed prominently on welcome signs. But rest assured: This community is proud of its colorful past and unique history.
This has to be one of the best tourist sites in Arkansas. Would some displays, while historic, also make me blush? What could I learn from the life of a prostitute in the early s that pertains to me now in the 21st century? My questions were answered, and I learned a lot. This one brothel in downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas, hosted nine prostitutes and one madam. For me, tour guide Erik Creekmore was a fantastic font of information. Erik noted that the brothel operated on the token system.
Then, prostitutes were paid in tokens which they exchanged for cash via the madam. How much did customers pay? Other details are preserved. The two-story baroque Victorian home includes original wallpaper, wall sconces, woodwork, and pocket doors. The museum also is decorated with many donated but period-accurate pieces.
I was surprised that the structure was built with running water, gas service, and electricity. Bertha owned the house until she passed away in The house of ill repute fell into disrepair before being purchased in and saved from demolition. Read more about this below. The restaurant operated for only a short time. On the brothel bed headboard is a permit for prostitution. The pitcher and bowl at right allowed both clients and employees to clean up.
The city received monthly payments for allowing brothels to operate , and other rules included the requirement that each be surrounded by fences eight feet high. These small shoes help paint the picture of the petite females of the day. The average height of a woman at the time was 5 foot 2. Other artifacts tell more tales of their lives. They were not allowed to go into town without being fined.
