They charged madams more for rent because of the risk associated with renting to a madam and inflated monthly rents since madams had limited options and could afford a higher rent. It was known that madams had a hefty income, and brothel landlords used this as a way to exploit them. Brothel landlords were able to make a large income from the industry without being directly involved, which prevented their reputation from being ruined. This led to the emergence of brothel landlords. Madams and sex workers were "easy targets" due to their low social status, so it was common for them to be extorted by businesses and individuals. As the sex industry began to grow, many other businesses and individuals benefited from the proceeds of the industry. History Development of Brothels Īt the beginning of the 19th century, the growing population, low wages, and political corruption in Baltimore led to an environment that allowed sex work to flourish. The fire was believed to be an act of arson. In recent years, The Block has undergone a bit of a revival with the opening of Larry Flynt's Hustler Club, and its next-door neighbor Norma Jean's, an upscale urban strip club.Ī five alarm fire on Decemheavily damaged four buildings, including the building that formerly housed the Gayety Theater. Polock Johnny's sausage restaurant was a local landmark on the strip into the 1980s. Once several blocks long, stretching almost to Charles Street in the central part of downtown Baltimore, today The Block only stretches about two blocks long from South Street to Gay Street. The passing decades would see a shrinking of the area. It has been suggested that the police, whose headquarters are located right next to The Block, chose to contain the prostitution and drug dealing in that small section of Baltimore rather than combat it. The decades to follow would bring a marked increase in general crime, sex work, and drug dealing, an unusual situation considering the location of Baltimore's Police Headquarters and Central Police District House at the east end of the block.
The Block of that era is featured prominently in several films, notably Barry Levinson's Liberty Heights and Diner, as well as Steve Yeager's independent feature drama On The Block, with Howard Rollins. It was a noted starting point and stop-over for many noted burlesque dancers, including the likes of Blaze Starr.īy the 1950s, the clubs became seedier, as burlesque was replaced by strip clubs and sex shops. During the 19th century, Baltimore was filled with brothels, and in the first half of the 20th century, it was famous for its burlesque houses.
Baltimore's The Block is a stretch on the 400 block of East Baltimore Street in Baltimore, Maryland containing several strip clubs, sex shops, and other adult entertainment merchants.