After discovering Emma, The Historical Harlot, on TikTok, I followed my curiosity and set up a tour and interview. In this episode, I chat with Angel, who manages Miss Laura’s Social Club & The Visitor’s Center of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Join us as we explore the ins & outs of a historical brothel.
AI Summary
This conversation explores the history and stories of Miss Laura's Social Club, a historic brothel turned visitor center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. We dive into the truth behind the night of the lingerie parade, the limited employment options for women at the time, the transient nature of the brothel, the legalization and regulation of prostitution, a day in the life at Miss Laura's, hygiene and STI prevention methods, access to doctor's journals, white slavery and human trafficking, the party girl lifestyle, the stories of the women who worked at Miss Laura’s, and upcoming events.
Takeaways
- Miss Laura's Social Club was a historic brothel turned visitor center in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
- The truth behind the night of the lingerie parade differs from the popular narrative.
- Women at the time had limited employment options and often turned to prostitution to escape difficult situations.
- Prostitution was legalized and regulated in Fort Smith before being made illegal.
- A day in the life at Miss Laura's involved meticulous hygiene practices and client interactions.
- Methods of birth control and STI prevention were limited and often ineffective.
- Access to doctor's journals provides insights into the medical care provided at the brothel.
- The average age of women at Miss Laura's was around 18, but some women as young as 13 or 14 worked in the profession.
- Researching the history of Miss Laura's and the profession of prostitution presents challenges, including limited time and the need to overcome distrust.
- The mission of Miss Laura's is to educate visitors about the lack of rights during that period and to remind them that the women who worked there were people first.
- Miss Laura's is planning to become an official museum and is working on collaborations with organizations focused on women's trauma and sex trafficking awareness.
Key Talking Points:
03:07 - The Night of the Lingerie Parade
06:32 - Limited Employment Options for Women
09:05 - Identity and Escape from Hard Situations
13:15 - Transiency in the Brothel
17:13 - Legalization and Regulation of Prostitution
21:14 - Legal Troubles and Backlash
27:
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