It is during this time that the neighbourhood was christened the Red-Light District. Velma Cabriole who is also a historic Red-Light District tour guide. It was definitely gritty, but remember the very rich brothels were also pretty amazing.
She was a tough girl and quite the business lady who soon owned up to 12 brothels. American burlesque stars got top billing while Canadians usually got lower billing. Lily St. Cyr started off as a chorus line dancing girl who worked her way up to become a superstar.
They had white girls for that. Jones told me. Rufus Rockhead never let anything get out of hand although there was always pressure from authorities to close him down. But the people there, there was always someone looking out for me. Gambling dens and bookmaking counters proliferated downtown and spread to the four corners of the city, enriching gangs who were also involved in heroin trafficking. However, his energetic anti-vice activities soon caused him to be fired for excessive zeal.
In the end, glamourous nightclubs and floor shows were replaced by burlesque shows, then strip clubs, as jazz lost ground to Rock and Roll. But there has been a shift in the way people receive that entertainment. To view this site at it's best, please activate it. Skip to main content.
Richard Burnett.
