The Oasis Bordello Museum in Wallace, Idaho is in a building which housed an active bordello until 1988 at which time the occupants quickly left town upon hearing about a possible federal raid. They left behind personal items, food in the cupboards, the remains of a meal on the table, and even groceries in a grocery bag on the kitchen counter. The building was purchased from the former madam in 1993 and opened as a museum. The first floor of the building, which originally housed a saloon/casino, is now filled with exhibits of historic artifacts.
Shown above is Westinghouse ‘Columnaire’ model WR-15 grandfather clock radio. It is 62” tall, 14” wide, 11.5” deep, and weighs 72 pounds.
According to the Museum:
“Designed by Raymond Loewy, circa 1931. This clock has an Art Deco geometric body modeled after a skyscraper, three controls up front and a speaker along the top.”
The radio shown above was originally owned by Lana Turner’s parents.
Shown above is an 1890s vintage galvanized tin “cowboy” bathtub.
Shown above is a Red Cross Standard Senior Apple Press made by Red Cross Mfg., Bluffton, Indiana.
Shown above is a 1945 Ironrite Ironer Company automatic ironer (also called a mangle).
Shown above is a copper still. During Prohibition, stills like this were used to produce illegal alcohol.
Musical Instruments
Shown above is a 1917 Kimball Piano Company player piano.
Shown above is a 1908 Beckwith Concert Grand, revival style upright piano. It is made of quarter sawn oak.
Bordello
More museums
Museums 101: The Historic Dumas Brothel Museum (Photo Diary)
Dumas Brothel Museum: The Second Floor (Photo Diary)
Dumas Brothel Museum: The Basement (Photo Diary)
Oasis Bordello Museum: Madam's bedroom (photo diary)
Oasis Bordello Museum: Kitchen and bathroom (photo diary)
Oasis Bordello Museum: Art (photo diary)
Wallace Mining Museum: Some historic artifacts (museum exhibit)
Museums 101: The Northern Pacific Depot Museum (photo diary)