Social Clubs in Williams, Arizona – and in the American West in general – are reminders of the town’s rich history. Being a miners’ town invited the business of prostitution. One of the more politically correct terms used to speak of them was “social clubs.”
The history of prostitution in Arizona, particularly in relation to miners, is intertwined with the state's frontier past and the economic booms brought on by mining activities. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mining towns across Arizona experienced rapid growth as prospectors flocked to the region in search of valuable minerals like gold, silver, and copper. These towns often lacked adequate infrastructure and amenities, leading to the establishment of informal red-light districts where prostitution thrived.
Throughout Arizona's history, attitudes towards prostitution varied widely. Initially, efforts to regulate or suppress the practice were sporadic and often ineffective. Local governments sometimes attempted to establish red-light districts to contain the trade and maintain order, while others turned a blind eye to the activities as long as they did not disrupt public peace.
Not sure where the ‘WooTom’ part came from for our Wild West Junction façade, but it sure is fun to say!
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