Regional Reads Book Club-Arizona's Murdered Madams
About this Event
We invite you to join us at the Heritage Center to discuss our next book, Wednesday, December 4
ARIZONA’S MURDERED MADAMS–DEATH IN THE RED-LIGHT DISTRICT by Merry Gordon Non-FICTION
Come meet the author of this non-fiction work at our December meeting. Merry Gordon, a local writer, editor, and high school educator will join us to take questions and guide discussion of her recently published book.
Arizona’s Murdered Madams–Death in the Red-Light District explores the lives and violent deaths of three prominent Arizona territorial madams. Minnie Powers rose to prominence in Phoenix’s red-light district before dying in a M**der-suicide in 1898; “Belgian Jennie” Bauters operated out of Jerome before being gunned down in the mining town of Goldroad in 1905, and “Dutch May” Prescott ran scandalous sex shows and a brothel in Flagstaff before her 1916 M**der. As she describes the lives of these madams, Gordon also explores the broader realities of sex workers in the Old West and chronicles the harsh societal constraints that pushed women into prostitution. Limited employment opportunities for unmarried women on the frontier, the reality of life after divorce, and widespread drug and alcohol dependency channeled many women into the dangerous life as sex workers for their economic survival.
Our book club provides a relaxed and cozy setting. Each month, we gather to explore and discuss a book with a regional focus. These thoughtfully curated selections of non-fiction and fiction will provide the opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of our local culture and history.
As an added treat, every month we will feature a new artisanal tea to sample from Ribbons Tea House and sample some retro vinyl from Deadwax Records as we explore engaging books together.
Whether you are an avid reader or just looking for a pleasant way to spend an evening, our book club welcomes everyone. Meetings will be on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM. We look forward to evenings of great books and engaging discussion!
FREE EVENT
Where is it happening?
USD 0.00
