Central City’s Madam Lou Bunch Day
Extreme bed racing on Main Street
Around the turn of the nineteenth century when gold ran fast and heavy through our mountain community, Pine Street was home to Central City’s red light district. A madam named Lou Bunch ran the most successful brothel in town, housing four ladies of the evening. Business must have been good, as it was reported that she weighed around 300 pounds. When an epidemic swept through the area, she and her sporting girls gave nursing care to sick and dying miners. In 1910, the population census recorded only two women residing with Madam Lou who were listed officially as “housekeepers.” Shortly thereafter, the house of ill repute and Madam Lou Bunch were gone, with her whereabouts lost to history.
For the last 35 years Central City has celebrated the famous (or infamous depending on your perspective) madam’s contributions in the form of Lou Bunch Days. A raucous and slightly bawdy festival replete with party goers dressed in period costumes, this year’s event held last Saturday provided a good time for all of those in attendance. Jimmy Lewis and the Band on the Barroom Floor played, while groups such as the Sidesteppers performed dance numbers like “You Can Leave Your Hat On” which was a favorite. Emcee Sandra Hines risqué humor kept things moving at a brisk pace. Of course Central City’s Sporting House Girls stole the show as always, but I must admit that with all that skin exposed, I felt a bit sorry for them when the cold rain started falling. The parade now complete, it was time for the popular Bed Race Challenge.
With a total of eight entries comprised of three members apiece, each team had to push their beds down Main Street past a barrel and back up the street lined with cheering fans. On the wheeled bed rode a make-believe harlot and her john with one bed-pusher. At the halfway point, the men switched positions with the new pusher changing into a nightshirt. With the street slicked by rain, the going was not always straightforward. The crowd roared as one of Fortune Valley’s teams, that won last years race, found themselves careening into the curb a few times before finishing! At the end of the day, the Denver Post recorded the fastest time, followed by Businesses at the Junction, and Dostal Alley in third place.
Bed Race Team Results
1st – Denver Post: time of 70.925 seconds and prize of $500.
2nd – Businesses at the Junction: time of 71.765 seconds and prize of $300.
3rd – Dostal Alley: time of 73.8 seconds and prize of $200.
Best Costumes Award went to the Bonanza team with a prize of $150.
Madam’s and Miner’s Ball Awards
Madam of the Year – Sandra Hines
Sportin’ House Girl – Tina Smith
Dandy Dan – Ron Engels
Honorary Dandy Dan – Tom Gish for his work in promoting and assisting with the event.