43. Madam Big Bertha and a Historic Brothel Artwork

Sex, Drugs, & Soul

Hey there! I’m Kristin Birdwell, and welcome to the Sex, Drugs, & Soul podcast! I’m an author, seeker, and mystic exploring where the sacred meets the everyday. For years, I thought my spiritual journey had to be separate from my human experiences, but what I’ve learned is that true growth happens when we embrace both.

This podcast is a space where I bring you along on that journey. Whether I’m flying solo or chatting with fellow seekers, self-healers, and sensual explorers, we’ll dive into the sweet spot where spirituality, sexuality, and self-expression meet. It’s all about living fully, embracing every part of who we are, and having some fun along the way.

If you’re ready to explore, expand, and embrace all that you are, come on this adventure with me. I can’t wait to share this with you!

All Episodes

Sex, Drugs, & Soul

43. Madam Big Bertha and a Historic Brothel

February 28, 2024 • Kristin Birdwell • Season 1 • Episode 43

After discovering Emma, The Historical Harlot, on TikTok, I followed my curiosity and set up a tour and interview. In this episode, I chat with Angel, who manages Miss Laura’s Social Club & The Visitor’s Center of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Join us as we explore the ins & outs of a historical brothel.

AI Summary

This conversation explores the history and stories of Miss Laura's Social Club, a historic brothel turned visitor center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. We dive into the truth behind the night of the lingerie parade, the limited employment options for women at the time, the transient nature of the brothel, the legalization and regulation of prostitution, a day in the life at Miss Laura's, hygiene and STI prevention methods, access to doctor's journals, white slavery and human trafficking, the party girl lifestyle, the stories of the women who worked at Miss Laura’s, and upcoming events.

Takeaways

- Miss Laura's Social Club was a historic brothel turned visitor center in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

- The truth behind the night of the lingerie parade differs from the popular narrative.

- Women at the time had limited employment options and often turned to prostitution to escape difficult situations.

- Prostitution was legalized and regulated in Fort Smith before being made illegal.

- A day in the life at Miss Laura's involved meticulous hygiene practices and client interactions.

- Methods of birth control and STI prevention were limited and often ineffective.

- Access to doctor's journals provides insights into the medical care provided at the brothel.

- The average age of women at Miss Laura's was around 18, but some women as young as 13 or 14 worked in the profession.

- Researching the history of Miss Laura's and the profession of prostitution presents challenges, including limited time and the need to overcome distrust.

- The mission of Miss Laura's is to educate visitors about the lack of rights during that period and to remind them that the women who worked there were people first.

- Miss Laura's is planning to become an official museum and is working on collaborations with organizations focused on women's trauma and sex trafficking awareness.

Key Talking Points:

03:07 - The Night of the Lingerie Parade

06:32 - Limited Employment Options for Women

09:05 - Identity and Escape from Hard Situations

13:15 - Transiency in the Brothel

17:13 - Legalization and Regulation of Prostitution

21:14 - Legal Troubles

Do you want to reset, expand, and feel more alive? Learn more about Naba and the community detox journey here.