Currently occupied by Hilliard Towers Apartments this plot of land was once the address of the Everleigh Club, a brothel operated by sisters Minna and Ada. During a time of decadence, crime, and corruption in Chicago the brothel gained infamy as a house of ill repute while also acting as a mark of status for those men who stepped over its threshold. Labeled by the Living History of Illinois and Chicago as the 'Most Famous Brothel in USA History', the Everleigh Club entertained only the wealthiest of clientele, ranging from poets and industrialists to boxers and princes of Prussia. Wiped out by the cleansing efforts of the Chicago Vice Commission in 1911 and the demolition of the original building in 1933, there are no markers or signs to commemorate the existence of the Everleigh Club or the women who lived and worked behind its doors. Because of reconstruction and street updates, 2131-2133 South Dearborn St. has since become 39 West Cullerton Street.
Sisters Ada (b. February 15, 1864) and Minna (b. July 13, 1866) Simms were Kentucky girls born on the tail end of the Civil War. Like many during the time, their family suffered from the aftermath. After the death of their grandparents, their father was forced to quit his law practice in order to work the lands of their plantation. While agricultural prices plummeted, taxes and interest climbed higher. They eventually lost their home and were forced to relocate. Peace and stability were hard to come by for both of the sisters, who would eventually go on to marry partners that abused them. Unwilling to live such a life, both Minna and Ada chose to run away, hoping to make their mark on the stage as actresses. Unfortunately, neither of them found their way into the spotlight and were forced to take up one of the few sources of employment available to women at the time. Resourceful and clever, however, they worked their way up the ranks from prostitutes to madams. Together they toured the country, looking for a suitable location that had many wealthy a wealthy man but no superior houses to act as competition. Like many entertainers, the sisters changed their name from Simms to Everleigh, a creation based upon their Grandmother's habit of signing all of her letters Everly Yours. This was the name that they would give to the establishment they bought from former madam Effie Hankins in Chicago, Illinois. The Everleigh Club first opened its doors on February 1, 1900.
The Everleigh Club might be the only brothel in American history that enhanced, rather than diminished, a man's reputation. Clients reportedly boasted, I'm going to get Everleighed tonight, which helped to popularize the phrase get laid.
The orders for closing were received by Ed McWeeny, General Superintendent of police, and the news spread to the club and many of its patrons immediately. No action was taken on the order, however, until 2:45 a.m. on Oct. 25. During the last night, many of the old regulars and, especially reporters flocked to the club. Attempts were made to contact Mayor Harrison, but he could not be reached: he was supposedly asleep. While many of the people were sad and melancholy, the sisters, clad in many diamonds, refused to be morbid. Minna reputedly said, If the ship sinks, we're going down with a cheer and a good drink under our belts anyway. By 1 a.m., cabs were lined up, and gentlemen in silk hats marched out. None of the patrons nor the girls were arrested. At 2:45 a.m., the club was officially closed.