When Canadians hear the phrase “early Calgary,” an image of cowboys riding down dusty city streets often comes to mind. Perhaps a stoic farmer also springs to mind, but was that truly all there was to Calgary? Let’s shed light on a different scene: railway workers or police officers, after a night of revelry, strolling down Atlantic Avenue (now 9th Avenue) and stepping into brothels to get better acquainted with the “ladies of ill repute.” CalgaryNKA delves deeper into the story of one successful madam and the city’s first brothels.
“Red Lights on the Prairies”
This is a book by James Henry Gray, published in 1971. The author presents an unconventional social history of Calgary, a city once teeming with brothels. In the early 20th century, Calgary was flooded with immigrants, most of whom were single men in the prime of their lives. Reading this book offers a deeper understanding of the city’s past. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Calgary was home to bars, brothels, and billiard halls, reflecting the social dynamics of the era. The city was even dubbed “the party town” for a time, which undoubtedly fueled the growth of the brothel business.
- These nightlife establishments were scattered throughout Calgary. They were synonymous with music and drunken laughter, attracting clients from all walks of life.
- “Red Lights on the Prairies” vividly describes the efforts of the police, clergy, and moral reformers who actively campaigned against brothels. Over time, public pressure mounted due to fears of venereal diseases and later, smallpox outbreaks, along with advocacy from women’s groups like the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. Police raids intensified, and stricter laws were enacted, leading to the gradual shutdown of these establishments.
- Residents living near the “red light district” often complained about the disorder and noise. Occasionally, men would mistakenly enter private homes instead of brothels, causing further outrage.
James Henry Gray’s book presents a factual account, drawing information from local newspapers, former madams, and client testimonies.
Madam “Diamond Dolly”
One of the most renowned madams who operated brothels in early Calgary was “Diamond Dolly.” Her real name remains a mystery, but her nickname, derived from her fondness for jewels, stuck. She was rarely seen without “ten pounds of jewelry” and had a particular penchant for acquiring new diamond rings.
Her business thrived, and she accumulated significant wealth. Beyond her love for diamonds and other precious stones, she was known for wearing enormous hats adorned with ostrich feathers. Locals would often spot “Diamond Dolly” riding in an open-top buggy. Cruising through the city in her distinctive hat, she was hard to miss, especially as she grandly posed for onlookers.
Madam “Diamond Dolly” built a successful prostitution empire, and some of her brothels were so popular she earned the moniker “Queen of Carnal Pleasures” in Calgary. Records indicate that in 1910, the monthly rent for one of her establishments was a hefty $125, a substantial sum for that era.
Despite the strict Victorian morality of the time, this madam was far from ashamed of her profession. On the contrary, “Diamond Dolly” openly flaunted her wealth. Interestingly, during one raid, 10 local police officers were arrested. Rumours circulated that Dolly had a relationship with the police chief, a conclusion drawn by residents who often saw him riding her black horse.
The story of “Diamond Dolly” is incredibly captivating, yet very little information about her has survived. Despite her fame and successful business, she seemingly vanished, leaving behind only legends and anecdotes.
What Happened to “Diamond Dolly”?
Let’s consider the fate of the madam and the women of the night who were left with nothing after brothels closed down. “Diamond Dolly’s” situation was significantly better, as she had money and connections. This opened up opportunities for her to drastically change her line of work, perhaps investing her savings in another legitimate business. In those days, common investment options in Calgary included hotels, boarding houses, beauty salons, and retail establishments. Some madams even opened restaurants or bars that retained a certain atmosphere, hinting at a vibrant and turbulent past.
A madam might have relocated to another city or even country, or perhaps made a successful marriage. Often, husbands were aware of their partners’ pasts but accepted them. Considering “Diamond Dolly’s” story, it’s plausible she successfully retired from the business without leaving any traces.
But what about the women of the night? They lacked resources, which was precisely what forced them into that path. Their fates were far more challenging.
- If a woman had family to return to, she might go back to her parents, for instance. However, not all relatives could accept their past, feeling the pressure of societal judgment.
- Finding new employment was difficult due to extremely limited resources. Women of the night might find work as waitresses in restaurants or bars, as cleaners in hotels, or in laundries. Factory or mill work was also an option, as were jobs as cooks or maids. The common thread among these jobs was low pay and demanding physical labour. It was extremely rare for former prostitutes to marry.
- After brothels closed, some women might return to other forms of prostitution, such as street prostitution (the most dangerous and least profitable) or underground brothels. A few of the most resourceful and confident women of the night began working independently, seeing clients in rented rooms.
Women were often caught during raids and sent to prison or “reformatories.” These latter institutions were established by religious and charitable organizations with the aim of changing women’s behaviour and moral standards. Conditions there could be quite severe. Sadly, many women who were once “forbidden fruit in men’s imaginations” faced poverty and homelessness. Their situation was further complicated by venereal diseases contracted from their previous work, as well as alcoholism or other addictions.
Despite society offering extremely limited paths for former prostitutes, most doors remained closed to them. The lives of such women in Calgary were filled with hardship, often ending in illness, poverty, and complete isolation.
Calgary’s Notorious Red Light District
In the early 20th century, one such well-known district was located on the hills around Nose Creek. Initially, these establishments were on St. George’s Island, but city authorities forced them to relocate further north. It was then that the brothels on Nose Creek were built.
They were housed in large, utilitarian buildings, devoid of any elegance. As prostitution thrived, so did the number of arrests. In 1910, the mounted police attempted to shut down “Diamond Dolly’s” business. A constant struggle ensued between authorities and this illegal, yet incredibly lucrative, enterprise.
A Hidden History
The history of brothels, notorious madams, and women of ill repute represents a hidden chapter of Calgary’s past. Yet, this only amplifies public interest. A prime example is the informative event titled “Booze, Broads, & Brothels,” which drew a full house at the Calgary Central Library in March 2018. The event featured a presentation by Kimberly Williams, an associate professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at Mount Royal University, who has dedicated a significant portion of her career to being a self-proclaimed feminist activist and advocate for social justice.
