Milwaukee
Thirteen Boarders. Wine and Beer. The furnishings of the five public parlers are simply magnificent, and to say they are bowers of elegance and perfection is putting it mildly, while Miss Clifton’s private parlors are finished in embossed satin of delicate shades, with real Venetian tapestry.
The music room is furnished with a splendid instrument and a talented musician can always be found there discoursing the richest music. Her boarders are of such variety as to suit the taste of the most fastidious. Among them we notice Auburns, Brunettes and Blondes and it is needless to say they are among the finest in the city.
Ten Boarders. Wine and Beer Miss Georgia is an experienced hostess who knows how to conduct a first-class establishment in a first-class manner. There is no place in the city where gentlemen are treated with more courtesy than here.
Seven Boarders. Wine and Beer Though this establishment is one of the most exclusive and private, one can never fail to have a splendid time here. All of the many parlors are handsomely furnished, the chambers are the coziest imaginable and the boarders are as graceful as queens, pretty, jolly and entertain their guests with a grace entirely their own.
Seven Boarders. Beer, Cigars, etc. This is the only first-class colored house in the city, being neatly furnished throughout. Among her many pleasing boarders we will mention “Lucky” Joe, “Midget”, the gamblers’ pride, and Daisy, the waif. P.S. – No colored gentlemen admitted.
Nine Boarders. Wine and Beer All her parlors are richly furnished. They never fail to please their guests. One can always find amusement here.
This series of photographs documents areas in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that were once the location of a brothel. In 1898, most brothels were confined to River Street in an effort to contain their growing prevalence in the city. This part of the city’s history is rarely discussed and the topic itself is considered taboo. The process of documenting these locations is an attempt to hold on to this past and end its erasure. Presenting this information poses questions such as, what becomes accepted as history? Who is making these decisions? And what gives them power to make such decisions? Exerts from The Sporting and Club House Guide to Milwaukee accompany these images, giving a description of the different establishments. An estimated two hundred brothels were in the Milwaukee area during this time. It was not until 1910 when Emil Seidel was elected mayor that the houses on River Street were forced to shut down.
Catherine Kassouf
Photography