Memorial Celebration at the Old Homestead House Museum, Cripple Creek

CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Old Homestead, once a grand brothel for the rich men of the Gold Rush Era in Cripple Creek is planning to hold a memorial for their famous Madame Peal DeVere.

There will be a celebrration of life of Pearl on Saturday June 5th at 353 E. Myers Avenue in Cripple Creek.

During normal hours from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can enjoy discounted admission to the museum for $1 off, as special guest sharing the story of Pearl will be handing out "pearl" necklaces to guests. There are also photo opportunities with Pearl and others on the day of rememberance.

The Old Homestead began as an exclusive broth in 1896 during Colorado's Gold Rush. Today, the museum paints a picture of Colorado's history for tourists from around the world, thanks to a group of local ladies dedicated to protecting the historic building for future generations.

Madame Pearl DeVere built and ran the house until her death on June 5th, 1897 of a suspsected morphine overdose.

According to the Old Homestead, her funeral was the biggest and grandest ever held in Cripple Creek. They say, "she was known for being a striking woman, who ran the best brothl in town." Pearl gave money to churches, schools, and miners widows frequently, making her the great legend of Cripple Creek today.