Curtis Hotel Building rear view from alley — 5/10/1962 — #41285_1
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Photograph Copyright Anderson & Middleton Company
United States — Washington (State) — Aberdeen
Curtis, Mrs.
Thanks to Sam Talley, who adds, "The alleyway walk-in door which is below the 4th window from the street has a light over it. This entrance to the Curtis Hotel prostitution operation was used by the discreet customers who did not want to be seen entering from the Heron St. front door. As high school boys we were always 'thrown out' through this back door when the girls learned we did not have 'entertainment' funds and were just checking things out."
Mr. Talley adds this to the story: "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.”
