Fun fact: my grandma was related to the Everleighs by marriage! Apparently the whole time they lived in Chicago, they stayed in touch with relatives back home who had *no* idea what they were up to. In the 1920s, my grandma moved to New York and her aunt encouraged her to look up her cousins who lived there. My grandma went to visit, expecting a couple of prim Southern ladies and was very surprised when she walked into their house and saw the gold piano! Apparently, they had a busy social life including lots of people my grandma described as "theatrical", so basically they went on to live their best lives.
Loved the article. Also loved the source - SIN IN THE SECOND CITY - which I highly recommend as well. Welcome back Allison. You are missed when you are away.
My great grandfather was a cop in Chicago during Prohibition. I’m not sure when he started but I’d like to think he knew about this! Wonderful reporting!
The Levee brothel owners and staff could easily have compared notes with the ones in the Storyville district of New Orleans, where a very similar scenario unfolded, though Storyville was able to last until America entered World War I.
This was wonderful! So much luxe, I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a "brothel chair" (or was it a brothel sofa?) that I'd seen referenced in another story, still a mystery!
Fun fact: my grandma was related to the Everleighs by marriage! Apparently the whole time they lived in Chicago, they stayed in touch with relatives back home who had *no* idea what they were up to. In the 1920s, my grandma moved to New York and her aunt encouraged her to look up her cousins who lived there. My grandma went to visit, expecting a couple of prim Southern ladies and was very surprised when she walked into their house and saw the gold piano! Apparently, they had a busy social life including lots of people my grandma described as "theatrical", so basically they went on to live their best lives.
this is the DEFINITION OF A FUN FACT! you know someone who SAW THE GOLD PIANO WITH THEIR EYEBALLS!
I'm also pretty sure that "theatrical" was my grandma's way of saying gay/queer at the time!
For all your protestations, Prussia seems to turn up in your articles suspiciously often.
I truly do not seek it out. it follows me. like a scourge.
Loved the article. Also loved the source - SIN IN THE SECOND CITY - which I highly recommend as well. Welcome back Allison. You are missed when you are away.
My great grandfather was a cop in Chicago during Prohibition. I’m not sure when he started but I’d like to think he knew about this! Wonderful reporting!
Oh, I have missed your witty section header puns!
Olde timey Chicago gangster/politician nicknames are my FAVOURITE and this contains two of the BEST
Great story! I just finished your second book, Let the Dead Bury the Dead, and loved it! I love historical fiction.
oh yay, thank you so much!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
The Levee brothel owners and staff could easily have compared notes with the ones in the Storyville district of New Orleans, where a very similar scenario unfolded, though Storyville was able to last until America entered World War I.
This was wonderful! So much luxe, I was hoping to catch a glimpse of a "brothel chair" (or was it a brothel sofa?) that I'd seen referenced in another story, still a mystery!
Puns galore and Chicago (my sweet home for 30 years) – what's not to love? Spaghetti!
I am (possibly? probably!) in love with the Everleighs! Off the rabbit hole I go!
I love this beyond words!
I am still laughing over the penis shaped cat - this is fantastic!
Yes! I can’t believe I got this far down the comments before anyone mentioned it! Absolute highlight.
Reading this while wearing a collar that looks like two photoshopped triangles (really)
Marshall Field Jr. would be so proud
The Oldest Profession Podcast did an episode about the Everleigh gals 💕💕
Love this!