Soiled doves

Like many West Coast settlements, Seattle is a city built on sin. As a logging town and port city their main industry might have been lumber, but the businesses that kept them competitive were the ones that could keep the sailors and other labourers entertained. Madame Lou Graham was a businesswoman

Klondike Brothel Girls, 1890s

The Cowboys - the 'soiled doves'

In some areas of the West, soiled doves were required to buy and post licenses. The funds for those licenses paid for public services such as law enforcement. Posting a photograph alongside the license was an advertising ploy. Women of ill repute often placed their picture and license in the parlors of the brothels to tempt clients. Those pictures highlighted the proprietor’s assets.

Wall Art A Lady Tombstone, Arizona Summer 2009

Soiled Dove in lace.

Saucy ladies of the late Victorian era showing off their charms and being slightly naughty!

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