Lovelock in Pershing County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
La' Belle Brothel 1961-1981
Photographed By Nevada Traveler, December 20, 2023
1. La' Belle Brothel 1961-1981 Marker
Legalized prostitution is part of the colorful chapter in Nevada's history, and Lovelock's paragraph is as red as the lights that marked such establishments.
Irene York owned the La' Belle brothel, which was located "across the tracks" at 140 9th Street.
La' Belle (French-inspired for beautiful woman) was considered to be a first-rate brothel in a "Small but Wild" town and was unique in allowing women in as "guests", unlike other "houses" in the State.
Many Lovelock locals have fond memories of the "ladies of the night" sunbathing on La' Belle's roof during their non-business hours. One other time a group of high school boys liberated a construction sign and placed it in front of the establishment that said, "Caution Men and Equipment at Work."
Dedicated March 25th 2023 (6028)
By the Jesse Lee Reno Chapter 1422
Of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus
Erected 2023 by E Clampus Vitus Jesse Lee Reno Chapter 1422.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.
Location. 40° 10.203′ N, 118°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mazuma (here, next to this marker); The Marzen House (within shouting distance of this marker); Applegate-Lassen Emigrant Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Seven Troughs Mining District (within shouting distance of this marker); Pershing County (approx. ¾ mile away); Pershing County Court House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Dedicated to the Memory of Karl O. Olfers (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Ice House (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lovelock.
More about this marker. The marker is located outside the Marzen House Museum.
Also see . . . Clampers Dedicate Plaque to La' Belle Brothel (Newsbreak, 10/19/2023).
Excerpt: On Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, the Jesse Lee Reno Chapter 1422 of the Clampers memorialized part of Lovelock's history. An engraved plaque at the Marzen House Museum tells the story of La' Belle Brothel, run by Irene York from 1961-1981.
The Clampers were in town for the first annual widders dance, hosted by the museum. First, they unveiled the plaque, baptizing it with a drizzle of beer, as is their custom.
"Satisfactory!" they shouted as they raised their glasses in tribute.
Photographed By Nevada Traveler, December 20, 2023
2. La' Belle Brothel 1961-1981 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2023, by Nevada Traveler of Reno, Nevada. This page has been viewed 573 times since then and 537 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 20, 2023, by Nevada Traveler of Reno, Nevada. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
