The Best Little Whorehouse in Lansing, 1880s-1890s

I think anyone who has lived in Lansing long enough realizes that, yes.....the city has had its share of houses of ill-repute: some hidden, some well-known,and some legendary. But this was a new one...I had never heard of this before until I came across the story on 'Lost Lansing'.

Just a few blocks east of the Capitol Building in downtown Lansing was the city’s most infamous house of prostitution. Called ‘The Gate House’, it was near the railroad tracks, where it intended to entice weary traveling salesmen or businesmen as they departed the train.

This particular "Bawdy House" - as they were called - was run by Charles Brand and his sister. Even though the Gate House was carefully under observation by the local constabulary, the brothel was doing pretty good business. Either they were very clever in hiding their activities, or it's possible that 'bribes' and 'favors' were involved. But there were some law officials who were just waiting for that one slip-up that would warrant arrests. For quite a while they seemed to escape prosecution…until 1891..

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In 1891, the local police had been planning a raid ever since March 26 and it was finally the time to see it through. Around 2:30am, a carriage pulled up to the brothel, seemingly filled with a horde of drunk young men, looking for some good times with the house's 'ladies of the evening'. But nope. The carriage was full of disguised policemen. One of the boys jumped out of the carriage and staggered to the door, pretending to be smashed. All the boisterous noise from the carriage full of potentially-horny young bucks made enough racket that it roused Charlie. He slipped out of bed and stuck his head out the upper window to see what the hubbub was.

Realizing these young males meant a possible substantial economic intake, Charlie went down and opened the door. The first guy stepped inside, ripped off his fake mustache, and revealed himself as local constable, Marshal Shubel. The other males, all officers, poured out of the carriage, and swarmed inside to make arrests, completely shocking Brand.

Brand stuck his hand in his pocket, possibly for a pistol, but the marshal was quicker. He shoved his own gun under Brand’s nose, who basically said “heh…uh, guess not” and gave himself up. Everyone in the house was arrested: seven prostitutes and five male customers.

Oh, and the manners and demeanors of the girls were worth recording for posterity. The article in Lost Lansing says one girl threatened, “Don’t you put my name in the paper, for if you do, I will kill you when I get out.” “Yes, and I’ll help,” retorted another. This barrage of curse words and threats went on throughout the early morning hours (and by the way, their names were put in the paper).

All females and males pleaded ‘not guilty’, even though some were caught "in the moment'. Most were held on $200 bonds except for Charlie Brand, who was held on a $500 bond. Charlie had more than enough cash on hand, so he paid his bail and was released.

The article in Lost Lansing is based on a newspaper article that appeared in the April 17, 1891 edition of the State Republican. It’s the only mention of this incident I could find.