"The Line" Marker

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Fairbanks in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska — The American West (Northwest)

"The Line"

By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2010

1. "The Line" Marker

Inscription. Noticeable among the earliest pioneers settling in Fairbanks were prostitutes, women of the demimonde who stampeded to the new Fairbanks gold camp from Dawson, Circle City, Rampart and points beyond. In a city where men far outnumbered women, earnings from prostitution were normally higher than wages for other, more respectable jobs available to women. Still the prostitute’s life and work were hard. Pimps and hangers-on lived off some of the women and squandered their money.

Tales of the more prominent ladies are part of Fairbanks folklore. Their generous tips to the neighborhood paperboys and love of dogs were well known. Several demonstrated their generosity by grubstaking prospectors for another season’s work at the creeks, or by supporting community projects. Others became house-wives, quietly blending into community life.

“That any building wherein opium is being sold for the purpose of being smoked on or about the premises, or where the same is smoked, shall be considered an opium Den.”
– Fairbanks City Ordinance, 1913.

Location. 64° 50.528′ N, 147° 43.228′ W. Marker is in Fairbanks, Alaska, in Fairbanks North Star Borough. Marker is at the intersection of Cushman Street and 4th Avenue on Cushman Street. Click for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 430 Cushman Street, Fairbanks AK 99701, United States of America.

By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2010
2. Detail from the marker
View west from Fourth Avenue and Cushman Street shows the wooden fence that shielded the community from the less socially acceptable Fairbanks red light district. In the foreground at left is a working-class hotel and bathhouse which opened in 1906, closed in 1966, and a year later was moved to an historical park off Airport Way.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cushman Street (here, next to this marker); Fairbanks Public Schools (here, next to this marker); Lacey Street Theater (1939) (about 700 feet away, in a direct line); Barnette's Landing (about 700 feet away); Suter House (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Founding of Fairbanks (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wickersham Cabin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Clay Street Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away).

More about this marker. This marker is attached to a triangular shaped support with two other markers. The other markers are entitled Cushman Street, and Fairbanks Public Schools.

Also see . . . The Downtown Fairbanks Walking Tour - "The Line". (Submitted on September 20, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California.)

Additional keywords. prostitution

Detail from the marker Photo, Click for full size

By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2010

3. Detail from the marker

In 1906, the Fairbanks City Council restricted the ladies of the night to a small area west of downtown. Small cabins or “cribs,” with the girls’ names on the doors, lined Third and Fourth avenues between Cushman and Barnette streets. Here Annie Rose and Irene relax outside their crib homes while waiting for callers.

By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2010

4. Detail from the marker

Displaying their treasures and memorabilia, three women of “the line” show off their tidy living quarters.

By Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2010

5. Detail from the marker

Although greatly diminished after the early boom years, the trade kept in step with the community’s growth. In 1952 “the line’ was squashed by the Truman Anti-Crib Law, area redevelopment, and protest from nearby Ladd Air Force Base.

Credits. This page originally submitted on September 20, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 269 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 20, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of San Jose, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.