Episode Summary: The Social Evil of St. Louis in the 1870s
Episode 4 of the "Can You Dig It" podcast, hosted by Dan Fuller and Joe Shields (Director of Development for Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum), delves into the often-overlooked history of prostitution in St. Louis during the 1870s. The episode features special guest Christopher Gordon, Director at the Missouri Historical Society, who provides expert context and resources.
The discussion opens with startling statistics shared by Joe Shields, revealing the scale of prostitution in St. Louis around 1871. The city saw the registration of 1,284 prostitutes operating out of 136 brothels and 9 "houses of ill repute." This large-scale operation highlights the significant social and economic role the trade played in the post-Civil War era. The hosts and guest explore the contemporary terminology used, such as "soiled dove," and discuss the context of the "social evil law" that attempted to manage it.
The episode spotlights two legendary figures in St. Louis's red-light history:
Eliza Haycraft: The hosts chronicle Eliza's journey, detailing how she became a prominent madam and amassed an estimated $28 million (in today's value). Crucially, they explore her significant philanthropy and the lasting historical impact she had on the city, even discussing her notable funeral and legacy.
Madam Clementine: The focus shifts to a dramatic incident involving Madam Clementine. Her brothel was the site of a community disturbance after being ransacked by an 11-year-old boy named John Kennedy. The hosts detail the resulting commotion, the legal consequences for all parties involved, and Clementine's eventual reintegration into society.
A major segment of the episode is dedicated to the Social Evils Ordinance, the law intended to regulate prostitution in the city.
Purpose and Expectation: The ordinance aimed to control and contain prostitution, largely through registration and medical examination.
Impact and Stigma: The ordinance led to the creation of the Social Evils Hospital, which, despite its intended purpose, carried a profound and lasting stigma for those who were treated there.
Financial Aspects: The hosts reveal the immense financial operations of the trade, noting the significant rents charged for brothels and the taxation that contributed to the city's coffers.
Repeal: Ultimately, the ordinance had a short duration, facing significant activist opposition and broader historical and societal challenges that led to its repeal.
The episode concludes by summarizing the broader historic and societal implications of this period of regulated vice. Christopher Gordon emphasizes the importance of historical resources, inviting listeners to explore the materials available at the Missouri Historical Society’s Library and Research Center (LRC) to learn more about this complex and fascinating chapter of St. Louis history.
