Madeleine Blair

Madeleine Blair (pseudonym) was a sex worker who lived and worked in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century in the Midwestern and Western United States as well as Canada. Her autobiography, Madeleine: an autobiography, which tells the story of her life and work as a prostitute, was published by Harper & Brothers Publishers in 1919. While he looked down upon prostitution as undesirable but necessary, he quickly became partial to Madeleine and visited her frequently. When he left town, he continued to write her letters. —were less competitive and more cooperative than the girls at Custom House Place had been. Madeleine worked on and off at Miss Allen's house for the next five years, and even the cold mistress eventually grew fond of her. At the cribs, Madeleine ran into another acquaintance from Chicago—this time a girl, Norma, who had worked with her at Miss Allen's house. After a tearful reunion, Norma explained that she had fallen onto hard times and discouraged Madeleine from boarding at any of the brothels in Butte, where she would certainly fall into debt. Despite protests from Paul, Madeleine bought an eight-room house, determined to become financially independent.

After buying her house, Madeleine hired a Chinese boy, Fawn Kee, to work as a cook. He soon became a loyal friend and confidant. Madeleine then sent for three girls she knew from the United States, and she opened her brothel in late November. Upon its opening, the house was wildly successful and attracted men from all social classes of the town. Madeleine soon had to expand her business; she hired a pianist, more girls, and an assistant for Fawn Kee. She also added multiple rooms to the house.

Madeleine's relationship with Paul suffered during this time, but her business remained successful. She became known as a "strict disciplinarian," but was liked by many of her girls for her fair treatment. After two years in business, she hired a longtime acquaintance, Mildred, as a housekeeper. Madeleine was an adept businesswoman, and with help from both Mildred and Fawn Kee she dealt with political and legal scandals during her time as a brothel owner.

Alcoholism After four years operating her brothel, Madeleine began secretly drinking to cope with insomnia and the stress of running her business. A new house that had opened nearby brought increased competition and increased attention to the prostitution in the town, which eventually entangled Madeleine in trouble with the Mounted Police. Under mounting pressure, Madeleine began a drinking spree that ended when Mildred encouraged her to take a vacation until she was well enough to run the house again.

Madeleine left for Spokane, where she spent her money drinking and gambling. After losing a large sum of money and falling ill, she contacted Paul, who came for a week to support her. Following his visit, Madeleine spent the next four months traveling across the West Coast. When she returned to her brothel, she found that it was running smoothly thanks to Mildred and Fawn Kee.

After two months back in Canada, however, Madeleine once again succumbed to alcoholism. A young doctor who served as the medical examiner for her house contacted Paul, who took Madeleine away and left the brothel under Mildred's care once again. Madeleine remained sober while she was with Paul, but their time was cut short when she heard rumors that he was engaged to another woman. Madeleine left him and returned to her brothel, where she continued to drink heavily.

At age thirty four, Madeleine had been drinking heavily for two years. In deep despair, she went to visit a priest that had recently taken up residence in town. He prayed for Madeleine and told her to abstain from liquor for one year. Madeleine returned to her brothel, packed her things, and gave the house to Mildred, leaving the business behind her for the rest of her life.