Authors Explored History of Des Moines Brothel

A new book details the illicit history of an early 20th-century Court Avenue tavern and brothel.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Sex Life

Screen-print poster illustration of a weathered early 20th-century brick tavern facade with arched doors, evoking historical research of Des Moines. — Authors Rose and David Donovan have published a new book detailing the illicit history of a historic Des Moines tavern and brothel. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Rose and David Donovan have released a book documenting the history of a tavern and brothel once operated by their ancestor in Des Moines. The publication uncovers the operations of the site throughout the early 1900s.

Why it matters

The authors conducted extensive genealogical research to verify family rumors and piece together this forgotten chapter of local history. The project provides a rare look at the corruption and illicit business activities that once thrived in the heart of the city.

The saloon and brothel on Court Avenue was operated by Erastus Wallace Scott for 12 years before his death in 1912. The book, titled The Nastiest Saloon in Iowa: Murder, Prostitution, and Corruption in the Heartland, is available at retailers like Beaverdale Books.

The players

Rose Donovan

She is an author who co-wrote the historical account of her ancestor's business.

David Donovan

He is a co-author who assisted in the research and writing of the book.

Erastus Wallace Scott

He was the original proprietor of the Court Avenue tavern and brothel.

The details

Through an analysis of archived newspaper articles and family records, the authors reconstructed the history of the Court Avenue establishment. This effort transformed long-standing family rumors into a documented account of the site's role in local history.

Erastus Wallace Scott began operating the business in 1900.
The owner died in 1912, marking the end of the establishment's operations.
The book was published in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This work reflects the broader cultural trend of amateur and familial historians utilizing digital archives to reclaim obscured regional narratives. It marks a shift where personal genealogy is increasingly being used to fill gaps in established, formal historical records.

Readers interested in local history can find the book at specific area retailers such as Beaverdale Books. The publication provides residents with a new, research-backed perspective on the historical development of Court Avenue.

The takeaway

Investigating family history often requires looking past myths toward primary source documentation like old newspapers. This approach can turn vague anecdotes into concrete historical narratives that inform a broader community understanding.