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Centralia, Washington: Shady Lady Bordello Museum

For over 70 years, until the mid-1960s, Centralia had second-floor brothels in its downtown buildings. Holly Phelps has restored the bordello on the second floor of her boutique as a tribute to the working women of yore.

Address:
216 N. Tower Ave., Centralia, WA
Directions:
Downtown. On the east side of Hwy 507/N. Tower Ave. Between E. Magnolia and E. Pine Sts, above the Shady Lady boutique.
Hours:
Sa 11-5 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
360-736-4333
Admission:
Adults $2.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
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Visitor Tips and News About Shady Lady Bordello Museum

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Shady Lady Bordello Museum.

Shady Lady Bordello Museum

Holly, who runs the shop and museum, has plans to grow the museum in the coming year.

[Melissa, 01/13/2017]

Bordello hallway.

Shady Lady Bordello Museum

Holly Phelps opened this little museum upstairs in her antique store in Centralia -- easy to get to from I-5. In addition to the physical objects and original site setting, Holly has collected a lot of fascinating stories about prostitution, the railroad, local officials, and the churchgoers who kept the business running into the 1960s.

The museum opened in Oct. 2015, and it's growing bit by bit. We thought it was well worth the small entry fee and will try to stop by again as more exhibits are erected!

[Marcia & Lisle V, 07/02/2016]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Auto Parts ManAuto Parts Man, Centralia, WA - < 1 mi.
Yard Bird StatuesYard Bird Statues, Chehalis, WA - 2 mi.
Historical Yard BirdHistorical Yard Bird, Chehalis, WA - 4 mi.
In the region:
Ape Cave Lava Tube, Cougar, WA - 55 mi.

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