“Even after death red lights for Josie…Thousands gathered every night. As a youth I watched with them, and I can recall the eerie effect, the frightened exclamations.””
Storyville’s Queen of the Demimonde
Josie Arlington, one of the most infamous Madams in New Orleans’ red-light district, Storyville was born Mary Anna Deubler to impoverished German immigrants in 1864. Theories abound as to exactly why or when Josie entered the world of sex work, but by at least the age of seventeen she was working in the brothels of New Orleans.
Entrepreneurial in spirit, Josie worked to create a life greater than what she knew, first owning the ‘Chateau Lobrano,’ and then with the creation of Storyville, she built and operated The Arlington at 225 North Basin Street. The Arlington was considered one of the finest brothels in the city. Yet despite her flourishing business and increasing wealth, what Josie wanted most was be a respected woman of New Orleans society.
Josie would never get her wish in life, but she left behind a legacy that exceeds just her life. Even her tomb is unique, with carved torches and a bronze maiden knocking on the door. And if the stories are true the flames continue to burst into life and the maiden knocks on the door of the tomb, forever attempting to gain entry.
Sources:
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