210 South Sixth Street

The Castle was a notorious brothel located at 210 South Sixth Street in St. Louis, Missouri, during the late 19th century. Operated by Sarah Bilas Conners, affectionately known as Babe Conners. It was a lavish "sporting house" catering exclusively to wealthy white men and the meaning of the phrase "storming the Castle" was known to most of the adult males of St. Louis. It was located a short walk from Tony Faust's elegant restaurant and the Southern Hotel bar. A U.S. double eagle (a gold twenty-dollar piece), which was required for passage into the club, was given to club members once they had paid their membership fee. Having a membership merely secured entry into the club; once in the door, members paid extra for everything they did there.

The Castle was operated by Sarah Conners, known as Babe Conners, who usually dripped with diamonds when she made her grand entrance down the chandelier-lit stairway to welcome her callers. She maintained eight to ten beautiful "Creole" maidens imported from Louisiana for her guests' entertainment.

🏰 The Castle: A Lavish Establishment
The Castle was a three-story, white-painted brick building adorned with opulent furnishings, including $250 crystal chandeliers—a significant sum at the time. Entry required a U.S. double eagle ($20 gold coin), and members paid additional fees for services once inside. The club featured mirrored floors that allowed dancers to perform in long skirts without undergarments, adding to the allure.

🎭 Entertainment and Performers
One of the main attractions was Letitia Lula Agatha Fontaine, known as Mama Lou, who performed bawdy songs and comedic routines. Her songs, such as Ta-Ra-Ra Boom-De-Ay and There'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight, became popular across the United States and Europe, though she received no credit for her work. These performances were accompanied by pianist Tom Turpin, a renowned ragtime musician.

👑 Babe Conners: A Notable Figure
Born Sarah BIlas Connors in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1857, Babe Conners was of mixed heritage and was believed to have been born into slavery. She briefly attended Fisk University before moving to St. Louis, where she established The Castle in 1890. Known for her extravagant style, she often appeared in public adorned with diamonds and a feather boa, arriving in a horse-drawn carriage. Her establishment was a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Up until the time of her death she provided scholarships for two girls at the university.

Babe Conners died in her home at 2614 Glasgow Street on August 5, 1899, at the age of 41, with her doctor; her longtime housekeeper, Lonnie Malcolm; and her priest, Father Geisart of St. Theresa Church, at her side. After her funeral services at St. Theresa Church her body was taken to Calvary Cemetery for burial. Despite her profession, she was known for her acts of charity, including providing scholarships to two girls at Fisk University.

After her death, The Castle was replaced by a new brothel on Chestnut Street. Eventually, the site of The Castle was redeveloped, and today, the area is part of the modern downtown St. Louis landscape.

For a visual representation of the building that once housed The Castle, you can view historical photographs provided by the Missouri Historical Society.
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