The Old Homestead House Museum in Cripple Creek, Colorado, offers a unique and compelling glimpse into the rugged yet refined social history of the American West. This extraordinary building, a meticulously preserved parlor house, stands as a testament to the lives and times of the late 19th-century Colorado Gold Rush era, specifically recalling its past as a prominent brothel serving the legions of miners who flocked to the region.
Originally established in 1896, the Old Homestead House Museum was once one of Cripple Creek’s most renowned houses of ill repute, managed by the legendary madam Pearl DeVere. Its walls hold countless stories of the “soiled doves” and the wealthy patrons who sought entertainment and companionship amidst the boomtown’s chaotic energy.
The Golden Age of Cripple Creek and Its Sporting Houses
Cripple Creek, Colorado, boomed in the 1890s following the discovery of vast gold deposits, transforming from a quiet valley into a bustling, rowdy city almost overnight. Thousands of prospectors, miners, and entrepreneurs converged on the area, creating an insatiable demand for various services, including entertainment and solace from the grueling work in the mines. This economic explosion fostered a vibrant, albeit often illicit, social scene.
Within this dynamic environment, “sporting houses” or brothels became an integral part of the social fabric, particularly along Myers Avenue, Cripple Creek’s notorious Red Light District. These establishments, far from being mere shanties, often reflected the wealth flowing through the town, with some, like the Old Homestead, offering luxurious accommodations and services to an exclusive clientele. They were often the most opulent buildings in town, equipped with fine furnishings, elaborate decor, and an atmosphere designed to impress and provide an escape from the harsh realities of mining life.
Pearl DeVere: The Queen of Cripple Creek’s Red Light District
Central to the story of the Old Homestead House Museum is its original owner and madam, Pearl DeVere. Born as Eliza Martin, Pearl was a figure of significant influence and allure in Cripple Creek. She arrived in the town with a vision, establishing an opulent establishment that quickly set itself apart. In 1896, she built the Old Homestead, an exquisite parlor house that epitomized luxury and exclusivity.
Pearl DeVere maintained a strict and somewhat unusual admissions policy for her establishment. Prospective male clients were required to submit a financial application and were only admitted by appointment. This rigorous vetting process ensured that the Homestead catered to the most affluent and influential men in the district, distinguishing it from other, less exclusive houses. Pearl herself was renowned for her beauty, sharp business acumen, and magnetic personality, earning her widespread popularity and respect, even from those who might have publicly condemned her profession.
Tragically, Pearl DeVere’s reign was cut short. Just one year after constructing her fabulous house, she died in 1897 from a morphine overdose, an event that shocked the entire community. Her funeral was an elaborate affair, reportedly the largest Cripple Creek had ever witnessed, with a procession that included prominent citizens, miners, and even her “girls,” all mourning the loss of a truly unforgettable character. Her legacy, however, continues to captivate visitors to the museum.
A Glimpse into the Past: Touring the Old Homestead Today
Today, the Old Homestead House Museum provides an authentic and educational experience, preserving the memory of Cripple Creek’s gilded, yet gritty, past. Located on Myers Avenue, just one block from the main thoroughfare of Bennett Avenue, the museum stands as a tangible link to the city’s historical Red Light District.
Tours of the museum offer a comprehensive look at the history of this famous parlor house, providing insights into the daily lives of the women who worked there, the social customs of the era, and the broader context of the Cripple Creek Gold Rush. Visitors can explore the authentically restored rooms, furnished with period pieces, including the parlor, bedrooms, and other areas where the business of the house was conducted. The detailed narratives shared by museum staff bring the stories of Pearl DeVere and her “girls” to life, painting a vivid picture of a fascinating, often misunderstood, segment of frontier society.
The museum is typically open from Memorial Day through September, catering to both individual visitors and groups. Group rates are available, and special arrangements can be made for groups of six or more to visit outside regular hours, ensuring that this unique piece of history remains accessible to all.
An Intriguing Note on Admissions
Interestingly, the museum’s admission policy includes half-price entry for children ages 10-13 and free admission for those under ten. While the subject matter of a historic brothel might seem unconventional for young visitors, the museum presents the history respectfully and in an educational context, allowing families to explore a significant, albeit complex, aspect of American history.
Spectral Residents: The Hauntings of the Old Homestead
Beyond its rich historical narrative, the Old Homestead House Museum also holds a reputation for paranormal activity, adding another layer of intrigue to its already compelling story. According to reports from museum staff and numerous visitors, the spirits of its former occupants, particularly the “soiled doves” who once resided and worked there, continue to linger.
Many visitors have reported inexplicable sensations, sudden chills, or a distinct feeling of being watched. There are frequent accounts of individuals getting peculiar expressions on their faces and spontaneously inquiring if the museum is haunted, sensing a presence around them without prior knowledge of the legends. During recent renovation and construction projects, workers have also shared chilling experiences, reporting observations of the former “girls” watching them from the shadows, feeling unexplained touches, and catching fleeting movements out of the corner of their eyes. These consistent reports suggest that at least three spectral residents continue to make the old parlor house their eternal home, perhaps still tending to their duties or simply enjoying the continued activity within their beloved Homestead.
Conclusion: Preserving a Unique Chapter of American History
The Old Homestead House Museum in Cripple Creek, Colorado, serves as much more than just a historical building; it is a vital repository of American social history, offering unparalleled insights into the lives of individuals who shaped the unique culture of a booming gold mining town. From the entrepreneurial spirit of Pearl DeVere to the daily existence of the “soiled doves” and the enduring legends of ghostly apparitions, the museum meticulously preserves a chapter of the past that is both scandalous and significant.
Visiting the Old Homestead is an immersive experience, inviting contemplation on morality, societal roles, and the enduring human spirit amidst challenging circumstances. It is a powerful reminder that history, in all its forms, deserves to be understood and remembered, and that even the most unexpected corners of the past hold valuable lessons for the present. This remarkable institution ensures that the vibrant, often hidden, stories of Cripple Creek’s Red Light District continue to be told for generations to come, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in the true legends of America’s frontier.
