Dumas Brothel owners have new plan to pay off URA loan
The Dumas Brothel, 45 E. Mercury St, has had several owners over the years. Current owners Michael Piche and Travis Eskelsen purchased the property in 2012 and later began operating it as a museum. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was an operating bordello from 1890 to 1982.
Annie Pentilla, The Montana Standard
The owners of the Dumas Brothel in Uptown Butte hope to sell a duplex and use the proceeds to pay off $64,000 they still owe on a $67,000 loan they got from the Urban Revitalization Agency.
The agency’s board agreed to the plan Tuesday, giving owners Michael Piche and Travis Eskelsen 90 days from the time of listing to sell a duplex at 409 W. Mercury St. and make good on the loan.
Hmmm. So, the loan is due at Halloween. Mark your calendar.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see their museum exhibits.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find the most interesting about the Dumas is when they officially went out of 'business'. Their last day of operation was in 1982. Butte was seemingly immune to the laws of the state and nation at that time. The local police chief shrugged, "they weren't making a lot then, not many knew there was still an active whorehouse in Butte. But hey, they paid taxes, like we all do."
ReplyDeleteLike it was said to Jake, in "Chinatown", "It's Chinatown (Butte), Jake."
1982! That is amazing and interesting. Most definitely a historic story. I'm wondering what kind of exhibits they have in there...
ReplyDeleteMy great-uncle Joey owned a brothel in Clarksburg. Until I was 18, I was told he was in the hotel business. However, his establishment was respected by government and police alike for its help during the flu outbreaks along the riverfront farms in the early 20th century --providing nurses and workers so people would not lose their families or crops. Sometimes, I suspect we've lost that sense of community and glad to see these unsung members honored.
ReplyDelete