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The wives of Cripple Creek, Colorado, hated Hazel Vernon, but could not stop themselves from envying her status as the best dressed woman in town. Hazel also enjoyed the distinction of owning the city's most popular whore house. Built of pressed pink brick, according to her specifications, it attracted the big spenders, also known as "the carriage trade." Her girls were the prettiest in town and earned the most money, largely because of the strict rules of conduct which insured the safety and privacy of their clients. Men might risk being rolled for their money in cheaper establishments, such as Ella Holden's The Library or Pearl Sevan's Old Faithful, but were safe even while drunk in Hazel's luxurious Old Homestead. Hazel sold the Homestead in 1897, intent on a comfortable retirement in California.
The new madam, Pearl De Vere, a young, willowy blonde, lost enough money to drive her into desperation, as discreetly reported in The Cripple Creek Times, "Pearl De Vere, madam of the "Old Homestead," died early today from an overdose of morphine. According to a denizen of the house, a gay party was in full swing when Pearl excused herself, saying that she felt indisposed. She refused to let anyone go with her to her room. She was in high spirits all evening, a woman said, and never seemed happier or more carefree. No one could offer any reason why the madam should want to end her life. The body was discovered...lying across the bed fully clothed."
Pearl's assets did not include enough for a proper burial and an appeal went out for donations "to give the little girl a real sendoff" in the words of one Bennett Avenue bartender. The funeral procession wended its way to Pizgah Cemetery accompanied by the Elks band, contingents from the local fire companies, and men from Union Hall. Women from the dance halls and the brothels rode behind in rented carriages. Reverend Franklin kept his eulogy short that cold January afternoon, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."
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