06/03/2026
Today's history tidbit and tie-in to this weekend: The Old Homestead House Museum, Colorado's only bo****lo museum and one of only a dozen such museums in the United States. Beginning in 1894, the Old Homestead on b***y Myers Avenue here in Cripple Creek was the most opulent parlor house in the entire Cripple Creek District. The first madam of the place, Pearl DeVere, reigned supreme here, rebuilding her house after the disastrous fires of 1896 - only to die of an accidental morphine overdose on June 5, 1897. A bouquet of madams followed, running the house for several more years and into the early 20th century.
As time went on, the Old Homestead survived to become the only remaining business house of its kind. The building was reopened as a museum in 1958 with some of the original furnishings, numerous artifacts, and a great story to tell visitors. The guided, family-friendly tour takes visitors through both floors with stories about the house's history, the women who worked there, and the details of running such a business. The museum became its own official non-profit several years ago, relying on proceeds from admission tickets, donations, grants and gifts for sale to maintain this historic building.
For several years now, the museum has also thrown two annual fund-raising events that garner attention around Colorado and beyond. Pearl's Follies is a community event thrown each March, with food, drinks, entertainment, special guests, and other fun activities. The second event is Pearl DeVere Day, which takes place in front of the museum and, as you can see from the poster, is filled with activities, tours of the Old Homestead, vendors, food, live music and yes, bed races right down Myers Avenue. Another highlight of this event is the "Classy Pearl Contest," with prizes for the outfit that best represents the divine Ms. DeVere.
We may add here that our historic grounds and hotel present the perfect photo opportunity for showing off your own outfit for the event. Our reservations are filling up quickly, so make yours soon.
CCHospitalityHouse.com