Missoula History Minutes
56. Soiled Doves
The efforts of morally conscious people in Missoula went unheeded until finally in 1916 the one-story, red brick cribs that lined the far end of West Front Street and the honky-tonks were closed, but it was a long time before a respectable woman was seen walking in that part of town. Not all the "soiled doves" moved out of Missoula but their business became much more secretive.
The most remarkable and memorable madam in Missoula was Mary Gleim who, though morally corrupt, had a good side as well. She made loans to many young men who later became lawyers and bankers so they could finish their education. If any of her girls wanted an education she would see that they got it. Supposedly the reason the cribs were allowed to stay open so long was because of payoffs to the city government officials.