The Belle Brezing Photographic Collection,

Descriptive Summary

Title
The Belle Brezing Photographic Collection,
Date
1868-1983 (inclusive)
Creator
Brezing, Belle, 1860-1940
Extent
1 cu. ft. (2 boxes): 277 items
Subjects
Brezing, Belle, 1860-1940
Thompson, Elmer Ira "Buddy", 1920-1996
Prostitutes--Kentucky-Biography
Finding Aid Author
Processed by: Jason Flahardy; machine-readable finding aid created by: Jason Flahardy
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Belle Brezing (aka: Belle Breezing, Belle Breazing)
Mary Belle Cox was born on June 16, 1860, in Lexington, Kentucky. She was the second illegitimate daughter of Sarah Ann Cox, dressmaker and occasional prostitute. A year later, Sarah Ann Cox married George Brezing, local saloon owner, and Mary Belle and her sister Hester's last name were changed to Brezing. The Brezing marriage was frequently abusive, with drunken rages and infidelity eventually leading to their divorce in 1866. George Brezing left Lexington a year later. After a short affair with a man named William McMeekin, Sarah Ann changed her and the children's names to McMeekin and began to refer to her self as a widow.
In 1872, a year after her sister Hester had married and moved out of the family home, Brezing was seduced by a 36-year-old man named Dionesio Mucci. Twelve-years-old was the age of consent at the time in Kentucky, and there were no legal ramifications for Mucci. The relationship lasted at least until 1874, when Brezing was given a scrapbook by Mucci for Valentine's Day. By age 15, Brezing was pregnant, and having sexual relations with at least three men: Dionesio Mucci, James Kenney, and John Andrew Cook. Brezing married Kenney, September 14, 1875. So notorious was Brezing's reputation at the time, the Lexington Daily Press ran a mocking wedding announcement. Just nine days later, Cook was found dead outside Brezing's back gate, shot in the head with Sarah Ann's derringer, and with love notes from Brezing and a photograph of her in his pockets. Shortly after Cook's death, a memorial poem written by Brezing appeared in the Lexington Daily Press.
James Kenney left town a few days later; there is no record of she and Kenney ever getting divorced, but there is no evidence they ever contacted each other again. Brezing's only child, Daisy May Kenney was born March 14, 1876. Two months later, Brezing's mother died, and she and Daisy May were evicted. Daisy May was placed with a neighbor, Mrs. Barnett. At some point during the next two years, Brezing became a prostitute.
On December 24, 1879, Brezing began to work for Jennie Hill, a madam who ran a brothel out of the Mary Todd Lincoln house at 578 West Main St. Brezing worked there for two years until she had saved enough money to start her own house and assume the position of madam. During this time, Daisy May continued to live with Mrs. Barnett, with Brezing supplying a stipend for her support.
Brezing opened her first brothel in a row house at what is now 314-318 North Upper St. Around this time, Brezing was indicted on the charge of "keeping a bawdy house." Kentucky Governor Luke P. Blackburn (1879-1883) pardoned Brezing and the indictment was dismissed. This was the closest Brezing ever got to serving jail time. Brezing miscarried a child during her first year at the house. It was also discovered that Daisy May was developmentally challenged and would have to be institutionalized for the remainder of her life. Daisy May Kenney entered a Catholic run institution under the name Daisy Barnett.
Brezing opened her second brothel in 1883. She purchased a free-standing house at 194 North Upper St., not too far from the row house. In the late 1880s, mounting public pressure began closing the brothels along North Upper St. With a loan from William M. Singerly, Brezing bought what would become her most famous brothel.
Brezing opened her third brothel at 59 Megowan St. (currently the southern corner of Wilson St. and Eastern Ave.). It was lavishly appointed and decorated in almost a parody of the cluttered Victorian style. The area around the house was referred to as "the hill," and Brezing wasn't the only brothel in the area, but certainly the most expensive and popular. Brezing attracted clientele from all over the nation who visited Lexington for its horse breeding and racing industries. During this time, William "Billy" Mabon entered Brezing's life. He became her male companion until his death in 1917. He worked for the Water Company in Lexington, and was the brother-in-law to Colonel Richard C. Morgan.
In 1895, 59 Megowan's attic space caught fire, and Brezing took the opportunity to expand the house to three stories and added a side entrance. The house was painted white to cover the fact that different colors of brick were used in construction. It was also around this time that Brezing became addicted to morphine.
During the Spanish-American War in 1898, soldiers billeted in Lexington visited Brezing's house and spread her reputation even further around the country. She eventually even appeared as the character Belle Watling in Margaret Mitchell's Gone With The Wind. Margaret Mitchell's husband, John, attended Transylvania University and worked as a writer for the Lexington Leader. Although it was always denied, once even in writing, research after Mitchell's death proves that the stories she heard from John about Brezing were the models for Watling. Anne Edwards' 1983 work, The Road to Tara, discusses the link between Watling and Brezing. (1)
During World War I, U.S. Army again billeted and trained soldiers in the Lexington area. But this time, the temperance movement was in full swing and public opinion was focused on "vice." Under orders from the Army, the brothels on "the hill" were closed in 1915. In 1918, they slowly began to reopen, but Brezing never did. Classified an "incurable" and receiving morphine under a doctor's prescription, Brezing lived quietly in 59 Megowan St. She died August 11, 1940 of advanced uterine cancer, at the age of 80. Her fame was still wide-spread; her obituary appeared in Time magazine. Belle Brezing is buried in Lexington's Calvary Cemetery, beside her mother.
After Brezing's death, an estate auction was arranged for the benefit of Daisy May. Huge crowds attended the sale and it required three days to auction the contents of 59 Megowan St. (now 153 North Eastern Ave.) The house was sold some months later. In 1973, a fire gutted the third floor of the building. It was decided to demolish the house rather than rebuild. Another auction was held, to sell architectural details. Even the bricks were sold as souvenirs.
Note: The correct spelling of Belle's last name is "Brezing." During her lifetime, "Breezing" became an accepted spelling, and Belle used it herself from time to time. "Breazing" also slipped into usage. Some bank accounts also had her legal name as "Mrs. James C. Kenney," which was occasionally spelled "Kinney." When Brezing traveled, she often registered at hotels under the Kenney name. Her name and date of birth are both incorrect on her gravestone.
Note: The information for this biographical sketch was derived from E. I. "Buddy" Thompson's Madam Belle Brezing, the only full length work on Brezing.
1. Edwards, Anne. The Road to Tara: The Life of Margaret Mitchell. New Haven, CT: Ticknor & Fields, 1983.
Elmer Ira "Buddy" Thompson
"Buddy" Thompson was born in Maysville, Kentucky in 1920 and moved to Lexington as a child. Thompson was an aerial photographer during World War II, and recounts his experiences in his book, A Soldier Boy's Adventure. Thompson and Jim Riley opened the auctioneering company, Thompson & Riley. Through the auction house, Thompson became interested in local history, and formed his own publishing company, Buggy Whip Press, to print his work. Thompson produced work on the Mulligan Family of Lexington, and Pony Lady, a look at the life of Olivia Israel. Madam Belle Brezing, Thompson's most famous work, was published in 1983. He was a founding member of the Lexington-Fayette Historic Commission, the president of the Civil War Round Table, and a member of both the Kentucky Historical Society and The Filson Club. He was also very active in the community, serving as president for Big Brothers of Lexington, the Civitan Club, and the Sertoma Club. He died in 1996.
Scope and Content
The collection consists of two hundred and seventy-seven photographic prints collected or created by E. I. "Buddy" Thompson in connection with the writing of his 1983 book, Madam Belle Brezing. One hundred and fifty items were in the personal collection of Belle Brezing. They include albumen, tintypes, and chloride or bromide DOP/POP prints, all popular studio processes of the time. Nineteen black and white silver prints cover Brezing's estate auction in 1940. Sixty-one black and white and color snapshots document the 1974 architectural details auction that preceded the demolition of the house after a fire. The remaining forty-seven photographs consists of copy prints and original photographic materials collected and generated by E. I. "Buddy" Thompson for inclusion in Madam Belle Brezing.

Contents of the Collection

Belle Brezing Personal Collection

The series consists of one hundred and fifty items from the personal collection of Belle Brezing. They include albumen, tintypes, and chloride/bromide DOP/POP prints, popular studio processes of the time.

Arrangement: Belle Brezing Portraits; Jennie Hill Portrait; 194 N. Upper St.; 59 Megowan St.; 59 Megowan St., 1890; 59 Megowan St., 1895; 1874 Scrapbook; Tintypes; Women (Undamaged); Women (Damaged, Reassembled); Women (Damaged, Partially Reassembled); Women (Damaged, Fragmentary); Men (Damaged); Children (Damaged); Buildings (Damaged)

Belle Brezing Portraits

Belle Brezing in a black gown,, 1880s

  • Box 1
  • Item 1
To top

Belle Brezing, about eight years old,, 1868

  • Box 1
  • Item 2
To top

Jennie Hill Portrait

Jennie Hill, Belle Brezing's first and only madam (1879-1881), ran a bordello out of the Mary Todd Lincoln home on Main St.,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 3
To top

194 N. Upper St.

194 N. Upper St., Belle Brezing's second bordello, 1883-1889,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 4
To top

59 Megowan St.

59 Megowan St., Belle Brezing's third and most famous bordello, 1889-1917; Brezing occupied the house until her death in 1940, exterior,, pre-1895

  • Box 1
  • Item 5
To top

59 Megowan St., Belle Brezing's third and most famous bordello, 1889-1917; Brezing occupied the house until her death in 1940, exterior; the third floor was added after the 1895 fire and the entire house was painted white to hide the different colors of brick,, post-1895

  • Box 1
  • Item 6
To top

59 Megowan St., 1890

59 Megowan St., Belle Brezing's third and most famous bordello, 1889-1917; Brezing occupied the house until her death in 1940, interior; Brezing in her private parlor,, 1890

  • Box 1
  • Item 7
To top

59 Megowan St., Belle Brezing's third and most famous bordello, 1889-1917; Brezing occupied the house until her death in 1940, interior; one of the downstairs parlors,, 1890

  • Box 1
  • Item 8
To top

59 Megowan St., Belle Brezing's third and most famous bordello, 1889-1917; Brezing occupied the house until her death in 1940, interior; one of the downstairs parlors,, 1890

  • Box 1
  • Item 9
To top

59 Megowan St., Belle Brezing's third and most famous bordello, 1889-1917; Brezing occupied the house until her death in 1940, interior; one of the "girl's rooms",, 1890

  • Box 1
  • Item 10
To top

59 Megowan St., 1895

59 Megowan St., Belle Brezing's third and most famous bordello, 1889-1917; Brezing occupied the house until her death in 1940, interior; Brezing's private parlor,, 1895

  • Box 1
  • Item 11
To top

59 Megowan St., Belle Brezing's third and most famous bordello, 1889-1917; Brezing occupied the house until her death in 1940, interior; Brezing's private parlor,, 1895

  • Box 1
  • Item 12
To top

59 Megowan St., Belle Brezing's third and most famous bordello, 1889-1917; Brezing occupied the house until her death in 1940, interior; Brezing's private parlor; the seated man is Billy Mabon, Brezing's lover until his death in 1917,, 1895

  • Box 1
  • Item 13
To top

59 Megowan St., Belle Brezing's third and most famous bordello, 1889-1917; Brezing occupied the house until her death in 1940, interior; Brezing's private sitting room,, 1895

  • Box 1
  • Item 14
To top

59 Megowan St., Belle Brezing's third and most famous bordello, 1889-1917; Brezing occupied the house until her death in 1940, interior; Brezing's bedroom,, 1895

  • Box 1
  • Item 15
To top

1874 Scrapbook

Horse carriage,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 16
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 17
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 18
To top

Two African-American boys,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 19
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 20
To top

Unidentified infant,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 21
To top

General Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton) and wife, Lavinia Warren; wedding picture,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 22
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 23
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 24
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 25
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 26
To top

Tintypes

Two unidentified women,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 27
To top

Two unidentified women,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 28
To top

Two unidentified women,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 29
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 30
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 31
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 32
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 33
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 34
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 35
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 36
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 37
To top

Six unidentified men,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 38
To top

Three unidentified men,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 39
To top

Two unidentified men,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 40
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 41
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 42
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 43
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 44
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 45
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 46
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 47
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 48
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 49
To top

Unidentified infant,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 50
To top

Women, Undamaged

"Lottie Brown"; handwritten in pencil on the back of the photo,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 51
To top

Lottie Brown,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 52
To top

Fannie Davis (Fannie Parshall),, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 53
To top

"Georgia Lee"; handwritten in pencil on the back of the photo,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 54
To top

Zula Zelnick; The Circassian Queen,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 55
To top

Women, Damaged, Reassembled

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 56
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 57
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 58
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 59
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 60
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 61
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 62
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 63
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 64
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 65
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 66
To top

Women, Damaged, Partially Reassembled

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 67
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 68
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 69
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 70
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 71
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 72
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 73
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 74
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 75
To top

Women, Damaged, Fragmentary

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 76
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 77
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 78
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 79
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 80
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 81
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 82
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 83
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 84
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 85
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 86
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 87
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 88
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 89
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 90
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 91
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 92
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 93
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 94
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 95
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 96
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 97
To top

Unidentified woman; handwritten in pencil on back of photo: "[FIVE OBSCURED WORDS] blue gray eyes. brown hair white drapery pearl beads",, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 98
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 99
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 100
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 101
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 102
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 103
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 104
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 105
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 106
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 107
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 108
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 109
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 110
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 111
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 112
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 113
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 114
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 115
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 116
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 117
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 118
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 119
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 120
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 121
To top

Unidentified woman,, [n.d.]

  • Box 1
  • Item 122
To top

Men, Damaged

Unidentified man, military uniform,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 123
To top

Unidentified man, same individual as #125,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 124
To top

Unidentified man, same individual as #124; handwritten in ink on the back of the photo: "you looked out the other side of this---",, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 125
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 126
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 127
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 128
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 129
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 130
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 131
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 132
To top

Unidentified man; printed on reverse of card stock sheet as #134,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 133
To top

Unidentified man; printed on reverse of card stock sheet as #134,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 134
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 135
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 136
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 137
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 138
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 139
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 140
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 141
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 142
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 143
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 144
To top

Unidentified man,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 145
To top

Children, Damaged

Two unidentified children,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 146
To top

Unidentified child,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 147
To top

Unidentified child,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 148
To top

Unidentified child,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 149
To top

Buildings, Damaged

Unknown house,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 150
To top

1940

The series consists of nineteen black and white silver prints that document Brezing's estate auction in 1940.

Arrangement: House Tour; Estate Auction

House Tour

59 Megowan St.; cabinet with vases and statues,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 151
To top

59 Megowan St.; parlor,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 152
To top

59 Megowan St.; looking down the stair well,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 153
To top

59 Megowan St.; wine room,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 154
To top

59 Megowan St.; dresser,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 155
To top

59 Megowan St.; foot of stairs,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 156
To top

59 Megowan St.; bed in which Brezing died; variant of #158,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 157
To top

59 Megowan St.; bed in which Brezing died; variant of #157,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 158
To top

59 Megowan St.; parlor,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 159
To top

59 Megowan St.; foot of stairs,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 160
To top

59 Megowan St.; bookcase,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 161
To top

59 Megowan St.; side entrance to house,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 162
To top

Estate Auction

Crowd gathered for auction of Brezing furniture and personal memorabilia,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 163
To top

Crowd gathered for auction of Brezing furniture and personal memorabilia,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 164
To top

Crowd gathered for auction of Brezing furniture and personal memorabilia,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 165
To top

Crowd gathered for auction of Brezing furniture and personal memorabilia,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 166
To top

Crowd gathered for auction of Brezing furniture and personal memorabilia,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 167
To top

Crowd gathered for auction of Brezing furniture and personal memorabilia,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 168
To top

Crowd gathered for auction of Brezing furniture and personal memorabilia,, 1940

  • Box 2
  • Item 169
To top

1973-1974

The series consists of sixty-one black and white and color snapshots document the 1974 architectural details auction that preceded the demolition of the house after a fire.

59 Megowan before 1973 Fire; Architectural details of 59 Megowan St.; Architectural details of 59 Megowan St., 2nd set; Architectural details Auction

59 Megowan before 1973 Fire

59 Megowan St., exterior from opposite street corner,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 170
To top

59 Megowan St., exterior from opposite street corner,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 171
To top

59 Megowan St., exterior from opposite street corner,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 172
To top

59 Megowan St., exterior, left corner,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 173
To top

59 Megowan St., exterior, rear of house,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 174
To top

59 Megowan St., exterior, rear of house,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 175
To top

59 Megowan St., exterior, rear of house,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 176
To top

59 Megowan St., exterior, right corner, includes store across street,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 177
To top

59 Megowan St., exterior, detail of wall,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 178
To top

59 Megowan St., exterior, detail of wall,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 179
To top

59 Megowan St., exterior, house adjacent to rear of building,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 180
To top

59 Megowan St., row of houses near building,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 181
To top

59 Megowan St., row of houses near building,, pre-1973

  • Box 2
  • Item 182
To top

Architectural details of 59 Megowan St.

59 Megowan St., side entrance,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 183
To top

59 Megowan St., mantle,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 184
To top

59 Megowan St., mantle and mirror,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 185
To top

59 Megowan St., mirror over mantle,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 186
To top

59 Megowan St., mirror, mantle and window,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 187
To top

59 Megowan St., mantle,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 188
To top

59 Megowan St., mantle, removed from wall,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 189
To top

59 Megowan St., floor tiles,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 190
To top

59 Megowan St., window,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 191
To top

59 Megowan St., window and wall,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 192
To top

59 Megowan St., wall,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 193
To top

59 Megowan St., wall and door,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 194
To top

59 Megowan St., ceiling,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 195
To top

59 Megowan St., ceiling,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 196
To top

59 Megowan St., staircase,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 197
To top

59 Megowan St., staircase,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 198
To top

59 Megowan St., staircase,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 199
To top

59 Megowan St., window with colored glass,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 200
To top

59 Megowan St., stained glass,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 201
To top

59 Megowan St., wall,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 202
To top

59 Megowan St., wall,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 203
To top

59 Megowan St., wall and alcove,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 204
To top

59 Megowan St., ceiling and mirror,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 205
To top

59 Megowan St., windows and wall,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 206
To top

59 Megowan St., parquet floor,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 207
To top

59 Megowan St., front door,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 208
To top

59 Megowan St., side entrance,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 209
To top

59 Megowan St., side entrance,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 210
To top

59 Megowan St., side entrance with adjacent window removed,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 211
To top

59 Megowan St., side entrance with adjacent window removed,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 212
To top

59 Megowan St., side entrance with adjacent window removed,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 213
To top

59 Megowan St., side entrance with adjacent window and door removed,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 214
To top

Landscape, Hotel Lafayette in the distance,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 215
To top

Architectural details auction

59 Megowan St., outside front entrance, people gathered,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 216
To top

59 Megowan St., outside front entrance, people gathered,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 217
To top

59 Megowan St., outside front entrance, people gathered,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 218
To top

59 Megowan St., outside front entrance, people gathered, African-American children, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 219
To top

59 Megowan St., outside front entrance, people gathered,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 220
To top

59 Megowan St., interior, Buddy Thompson,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 221
To top

59 Megowan St., interior, people touring house before auction,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 222
To top

59 Megowan St., interior, people touring house before auction,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 223
To top

59 Megowan St., interior, people touring house before auction,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 224
To top

59 Megowan St., interior, people touring house before auction,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 225
To top

59 Megowan St., interior, people touring house before auction,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 226
To top

59 Megowan St., interior, people touring house before auction,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 227
To top

59 Megowan St., interior, people touring house before auction,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 228
To top

59 Megowan St., interior, people touring house before auction,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 229
To top

59 Megowan St., interior, people touring house before auction,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 230
To top

Materials for "Madam Belle Brezing"

The series consists of forty-seven photographs consists of copy prints and original photographic materials collected and generated by E. I. "Buddy" Thompson for inclusion in Madam Belle Brezing.

Arrangement: Belle Brezing Portraits; Houses; Belle Brezing's Schools; Belle Brezing Personal Effects; Gravestones; Reproductions from 1874 Scrapbook; Reproductions from Period Newspapers; Misc.

Belle Brezing Portraits

Brezing in a coat with an umbrella,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 231
To top

Brezing in a feathered hat; original photograph can be seen on Brezing's bedroom wall in image #15,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 232
To top

Brezing in a black waistcoat,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 233
To top

Houses

Mary Todd Lincoln House; the first and only bordello that Brezing worked in as an employee, 1879-1881,, 1926-1934

  • Box 2
  • Item 234
To top

Mary Todd Lincoln House; the first and only bordello that Brezing worked in as an employee, 1879-1881,, 1942

  • Box 2
  • Item 235
To top

314-318 North Upper Street; location of Brezing's first bordello, 1882-1883,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 236
To top

59 Megowan St., the house covered in vines,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 237
To top

59 Megowan St., now on Eastern Ave. and Wilson St., 1973 fire that prompted the architectural details auction and the demolition of the property.,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 238
To top

Belle Brezing's Schools

Dudley School, Maxwell and Mill Streets,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 239
To top

No. 2 School (Harrison), West Main Street,, 1974

  • Box 2
  • Item 240
To top

Belle Brezing Personal Effects

Account book, scrapbook, tintypes, silver cups and other various Brezing items,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 241
To top

Account book, open pages,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 242
To top

Silver sup and saucer set inscribed with "B. B." along with silver spoon inscribed to "Kitten June 16, 1892",, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 243
To top

Closed account book set across two open pages from scrapbook,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 244
To top

Pardon from Kentucky Governor Luke P. Blackburn (1879-1883) for Belle Brezing from the charge of "Keeping a Bawdy House",, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 245
To top

Gravestones

"Belle Breezing 1859-1940"; Brezing's last name is misspelled and her year of birth is incorrect,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 246
To top

Brezing headstone in the foreground with mother Sarah McMeekin's in the background,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 247
To top

"Sarah McMeekin Born May 5, 1836 Died May 19, 1876"; "Blessed are the pure in heart." is engraved along the side facing the back of Brezing's stone,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 248
To top

Sarah McMeekin, detail of engraving: "Blessed are the pure in heart.",, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 249
To top

Headstone of John Andrew Cook, a boyfriend of Brezing when they were teenagers and who died under mysterious circumstances; "Farewell John Andrew, son of P & Barbra Cook Born in Nashville, Tenn. Aug. 24, 1859; Died Sept. 22, 1875 Aged 15 Yrs. and 1 Mo.",, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 250
To top

"Mary Mabon Born Mar. 28, 1821 Died Dec. 22, 1886 at rest William Mabon Son of Wm & Mary Mabon 1855-1917"; headstone of William "Billy" Mabon, longtime lover of Brezing (1883?-1917),, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 251
To top

William "Billy" Mabon headstone with Hunt family plot in the background,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 252
To top

Hunt family plot,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 253
To top

John Wesley and Catherine Hunt headstone,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 254
To top

Reproductions from 1874 Scrapbook

Set of open pages,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 255
To top

Set of open pages,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 256
To top

Illustration of two well-dress women,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 257
To top

Illustration of two well-dress women; a printed poem,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 258
To top

Various cards and illustrations,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 259
To top

Various cards and illustrations,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 260
To top

Two cards with religious poems,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 261
To top

Various cards and illustrations,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 262
To top

Five illustrated cards,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 263
To top

Five illustrated cards,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 264
To top

Various cards and illustrations,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 265
To top

Various cards and illustrations,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 266
To top

Various cards and illustrations,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 267
To top

Two illustrations,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 268
To top

Sketch of a bulldog, with Brezing's signature,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 269
To top

Reproductions from Period Newspapers

Lexington Daily Press article, September 24th, 1875; concerns the death of John Andrew Cook,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 270
To top

Lexington Daily Press article, September 25th, 1875; concerns the death of John Andrew Cook,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 271
To top

Lexington Daily Press article, September 28th, 1875; concerns the death of John Andrew Cook,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 272
To top

Misc.

Joe Jordan in a military uniform,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 273
To top

Joe Jordan in a suit, coat, and hat,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 274
To top

27" Regina Automatic Changer Music Box, originally located at 59 Megowan St.; seen here restored and in the house of its new owner,, 1976

  • Box 2
  • Item 275
To top

Small bird in a gold-colored cage,, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 276
To top

I. E. "Buddy" Thompson; author photograph on back flap of "Madam Belle Brezing",, [n.d.]

  • Box 2
  • Item 277
To top

UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.

UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

Requests

No items have been requested.



Submit a request for SCRC materials.




You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.