Two Thumbs Up for Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront

We recently attended the sold out "Minneapolis Madams Pub Crawl", a Mill City Museum tour narrated by Penny Petersen, author of Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront.  Hard to imagine it now, but our riverfront neighborhoods were home to three distinct red-light districts from the 1870's to 1910.

The book was about a decade in the making, and once you start taking in all the facts Penny has amassed, you'll understand why.  Filled with fascinating details of the city, politics and people from that time period - you'll learn much more than the title suggests.  If you can't get enough Minneapolis history, this book is a must for your collection! (There's also a Kindle version available on Amazon.)

Our tour took us to the First Street Red-Light District (on First Street South between Hennepin and Third Avenue South ), the Main Street Red-Light District (on Main Street SE between First Avenue NE and current day Central Avenue), and the Eleventh Avenue Red-Light District (on Second Street South between 10th Avenue South and 12th Avenue South).

Below, nestled within the U shape of the Bridgewater Lofts, this three-story brick building at 212 11th Avenue South is the only standing bordello from the Eleventh Avenue Red-Light District.

You can meet Penny and learn more about her book on September 10 at the Central Library (7:00pm).  Registration is required - either online or by calling 612-543-8000. More info.