Curtis Hotel Building — 5/10/1962 — #41282_1
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Photograph Copyright Anderson & Middleton Company
United States — Washington (State) — Aberdeen
Curtis, Mrs.
Image includes Bratt Sheet Metal, Little Red Candle Thrift Shop, the Curtis Hotel and the Kaufman Block.
Thanks to Sam Talley, who writes: "Prior to Jan. 31, 1959, the night the Curtis Hotel was raided for prostitution and closed down, we high school boys would 'visit' the working girls as a bravery test. When it was learned that we had no money we were promptly escorted down the back stairs to the alley and thrown out. The 'girls' seemed old enough to be our mothers. It was not one of the classiest operations in town. Some time later the madam, Nellie Curtis, had a big auction in which all the Curtis Hotel contents were sold. I had a hunch that this place was going to be mentioned in Aberdeen's history some day so I bought several items. On that day I met the legendary Nellie Curtis, a short, heavy set very buxom woman. I discussed my interest in the historical significance of her hotel. She took a liking to me and sold me an 1855 J.P. Hale piano which came around the Cape Horn to San Fransisco during the California gold rush to a saloon. Ms Curtis purchased the piano and brought it to a Seattle brothel and then to Aberdeen. She did not allow it to be auctioned off, but sold it to me. I think I paid her $100-200. I still have it in my home. One day it will be given to the Aberdeen Museum.”
