Daring Dolly Arthur ~ Her House & Museum by starship
One of the most famous buildings on Creek Street is "Dolly's, a famous brothel. The prominent, light green house with red trim stands almost by itself on Creek Street but exudes an inviting aura; today it operates as a museum with guided tours. The famous madame of "Dolly's" was one Thelma Dolly Copeland, born in 1888 in Idaho. Dolly, who was known to be quite a beauty at an early age, discovered that she could earn much more money catering to the attentions of men than she could waiting tables in cafes. In 1919 she moved to Ketchikan, changed her name to Dolly Arthur, and set up her own house. Prostitution was legal in Alaska until the mid-twentieth century at which time the government forced the closure of houses of ill-repute. Dolly Arthur remained in her little house almost until she died. She passed away at the age of 87 in July, 1975; it is said that all the major West Coast newspapers carried her obituary. A bronze plaque designates Dolly's as a Historic Property.
Tours of Dolly's House and Museum are given daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $5. The furnishing remain much as they did during Dolly's lifetime and are very quaint. There is also a small gift shop carrying souvenirs such as T-shirts, etc. Grant glimpse at a by-gone era!!
