Before we begin today’s episode, a fair warning: The topic covers adult subject matter related to prostitution and venereal disease. It may not be suitable for all ages. If you’re listening with children around, please screen it first.
Introduction
Dubbed the St. Louis Experiment, the Social Evil Hospital was the first of its kind in the U.S., born out of a global social hygiene movement. The hospital and the ordinance creating it were groundbreaking for their time.
St. Louis in 1870
St. Louis had a population of 235,000, with roughly 5,000 prostitutes—about one woman for every 23 adult men.
Venereal diseases were on the rise. In 1869, the city reported over 135 cases of gonorrhea and syphilis per 100,000 residents.
The Missouri Republican called prostitution “man’s sorrow and man’s curse,” blaming it for societal ills.
Brothels were widespread, concentrated in areas like the levee, Almond and Poplar Streets, Christy Avenue, and Morgan Street. They attracted unsavory elements and pushed out respectable residents.
Regulation Efforts
City Health Officer William Barrett urged regulation to curb disease, citing studies like those of Dr. William Sanger in New York, who advocated medical inspections similar to Paris.
In 1870, St. Louis legalized and regulated prostitution with the Social Evil Ordinance.
Key provisions:
Soliciting was banned (no street walking, signs, or advertisements).
Women had to register in one of three classes: long-term kept women, brothel inmates, or independent operators.
Registration required full disclosure of identity and address changes.
Women and madams paid fees and taxes to the Board of Health.
The city was divided into six districts, each with a physician performing weekly exams. Certificates of health were required to work legally.
Police had authority to inspect brothels at any time; doors had to be unlocked for inspection.
Brothels were restricted to certain city areas.
Initially, the press praised the city’s efforts, and the city quickly registered thousands of women and taxed brothels.
The Social Evil Hospital
Opened in Fall 1872 at Arsenal and Sublette, outside city limits near poor houses and asylums.
Cost over $100,000 to build; funded by fees from madams and prostitutes.
The hospital treated venereal diseases, mental illness, addiction, pregnancy, childbirth, and general health.
Conditions were strict—patients bunked together under guard, not allowed to leave until declared healthy by physicians.
The House of Industry on site aimed to reform women by teaching new skills, but it had little success.
Problems and Corruption
By 1874, the system was failing:
Many women had health certificates without exams.
Only six doctors were overwhelmed with thousands of weekly exams.
Corruption was rampant, with certificates dated in advance.
Registration dropped 45%.
Half the women refused to register and worked outside the law.
Public Opinion and Opposition
Supporters said the ordinance generated city revenue and prevented worse social problems.
Opponents, including women’s organizations, condemned the law as discriminatory and invasive—only women had to register and undergo exams.
Prostitutes often refused to pay fees or comply.
Neighborhoods with brothels still faced crime and noise, causing residents to flee.
Legal and Police Controversies
William Greenleaf Eliot, founder of Washington University, sued well-known madams to end prostitution.
Police Chief McDonough was accused of abusing power after arresting a drunken former prostitute and denying proper bail, leading to his suspension and resignation.
In 1874, 72 attorneys petitioned the legislature to repeal the law, citing excessive police power, violations of civil liberties, and forced gynecological exams.
Repeal and Aftermath
The Missouri Supreme Court nullified the ordinance on March 30, 1874, banning city regulation—but not prostitution outright.
Prostitution was banned within city limits in 1879.
The legislature banned police from entering brothels without warrants and extorting money.
The Social Evil Hospital was renamed Female Hospital, serving poor women and children until 1910, then repurposed as a home for elderly poor residents.
Closing Notes
In 1906, Carrie McDonald gave birth to Fred Josephine McDonald, later known as Josephine Baker.
The hospital was demolished in 1915 for Sublette Park.
The Social Evil Ordinance was an early attempt to bring order to a chaotic problem, gaining national attention but ultimately failing due to poor administration and public opposition.
You can find more at:
Twitter: @showme_history
Facebook: ShowMeHistorySTL
Until next time, I’ll see you in the Lou.