Product Code Database
Madam Dora DuFran or Dora Bolshaw (née Amy Helen Dorthea Bolshaw; November 16, 1868 – August 5, 1934) findagrave.com Accessed July 2, 2014 was one of the leading and most successful Pimp in the Old West days of Deadwood, South Dakota.
DuFran had several brothels over the years. The most popular was called "Diddlin' Dora's", located on Fifth Avenue in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. "Diddlin' Dora's" advertised itself as "Three D's – Dining, Drinking, and Dancing – a place where you can bring your mother". And though the cowboys frequented the popular place, most just wanted to "get down to business", with at least one man remarking, "I wouldn't want my mother to know I had ever been there." Dora also owned The Green Front Hotel.
DuFran's other brothels in South Dakota and Montana were located in Lead, Miles City, Sturgis, and Deadwood. While in Deadwood, Dora got married and continued her brothel operations. After her husband's death, she moved the business to Rapid City, South Dakota, where she continued having success as a brothel owner.
Dora DuFran is featured in Larry McMurtry's book about Calamity Jane, titled (1990). In the TV movie Buffalo Girls (1995), based on McMurtry's book, Dora DuFran is played by Melanie Griffith.
In the TV series Deadwood and , the character of Joanie Stubbs is loosely based on Dora DuFran. Stubbs is played by actress Kim Dickens.
Marriage
DuFran married Joseph M. DuFran (June 16, 1862 – August 3, 1909), "a personable gentleman gambler" who helped grow her business.
Death
DuFran died of heart failure in 1934. Her pet parrot Fred and husband Joseph are buried with her at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood.
Publication
DuFran (under the pseudonym: d'Dee) published a 12-page booklet on Calamity Jane titled Low Down on Calamity Jane (1932). In 1981, this booklet was reprinted in an expanded 47-page version, edited by Helen Rezatto.
In popular culture
DuFran is often credited with coining the term "cathouse", but evidence indicates that the term was in use before she began her career.
"Did She or Didn’t She?". truewestmagazine.com. Retrieved April 27, 2025.
Categories: People From Deadwood, South Dakota, People From Lincoln, Nebraska, People Of The American Old West, 1868 Births, 1934 Deaths, American Female Prostitutes, American Brothel Owners And Madams, People From Rapid City, South Dakota, English Emigrants To The United States, Women Of The American Old West
|
|
