Frontier Madam: The Life of Dell Burke, Lady of Lusk

by June Willson Read

This is the first biography of Dell Burke, whose estate sale drew national attention when she died in 1981 at age 93. Painstakingly researched for over five years, June Willson Read's landmark history tells the story of a broken young woman who saw opportunities in the Alaskan gold rush, the copper mines in Montana and the oil fields in Wyoming. But it wasn't mining that made Burke's fortune – she focused on the entertainment needs of the lonely men who poured into the uncharted west to strike it rich. In 1919, the genteel and gracious Burke opened the Yellow Hotel brothel in Lusk, Wyoming, where she reigned for six decades, until 1978. Although condemned for her profession, she was beloved for her generosity and her devotion to the community. For example, during the Depression, Burke financed Lusk's water-power system and single-handedly saved the town from going bankrupt. Read interviewed locals, historians, and Burke descendents to present a fascinating story of a little-known entrepreneurial powerhouse.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Helen Pugsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a young girl when it first came out. You think reading about a prostitute would have an adverse affect but on the contrary... It gave me someone to look up to!
Although you might not agree with her career path, Dell Burke was a wise business woman. The most impressive thing she did was use her earnings to buy Lusk's power plant. Every time someone threatened to shut down The Yellow Motel she'd threaten to shut down the town's power!
I live down the road from Lusk so it's great to learn about my home area. And this is a tender subject most people who remember meeting Dell shy away from! I really appreciate June Wilson Read bringing this book into existence even though there are plenty of people from Lusk who aren't entirely thrilled about it. There is a small film crew trying to bring a documentary into existence. I am so excited about that too!

[Elsa Wolf · Rating 2 out of 5]

I believe this book was intended to be non-fiction, but it also feels like a historical fiction novel because of the dialog inserted within the chapters. While the stories are interesting and educational, I didn't feel invested in the book. I'm sorry to say, I struggled through it.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read about the life of Dell Burke who changed her name, changed her life, and though a private woman, became the madam of the most famous brothel in Lusk,Wyoming in the early 20th century. Historical information well researched. I did find the "fictional" conversations uncomplimentary to the book itself, but it was the author's discretion. Read did a fine job weaving all the historical information into well documented account of the life of Dell Burke, who I had never heard of before I read this story. Dell must have been one fascinating lady!