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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Regionally, this marker is in the Northern Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
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. Ύ mile away); Pershing County Court House (approx. 0.8 miles away); California Trail - Big Meadows / H.R.R. 7 - Big Meadows of Lovelock (approx. 0.9 miles away); Dedicated to the Memory of Karl O. Olfers (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 . . . Former Lovelock brothel may be demolished. Great Basin Sun website entry (2015) (Submitted on June 9, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Nevada Traveler, December 20, 2023
2. La' Belle Brothel 1961-1981 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2023, by Nevada Traveler of Reno, Nevada. This page has been viewed 1,884 times since then and 134 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.
