Shady Ladies Of Silverton

Part of Kate Burke’s Western History Series at the Pavilion.

At the turn of the last century in Silverton, Colorado, there were 32 saloons, bordellos, and gambling parlors between 11th and 13th St along Blair and 130 working girls. Fights between girls and customers were common, and the usual fine for bad behavior was just $5.32. Sweet Aunt Jane owned the three or more bordellos, the most lascivious being the Laundry. Silverton was a San Juan Mountains mining town, and booze, bordellos, and gambling were the backbone of the economy as late as 1948, when the mines had mostly shut down. But business with the shady ladies continued into the 1960s.

Learn more at Kate Burke’s talk: tall tales and a few true stories.

This is a FREE event with handouts and lots of juicy details!