Friday, July 27, 2007

In the Mail

I find in the mail today, a badge.

This is a replica easily found on the Internet. It seems that the administration of Kansas City at one time decided that they needed an officer to inspect the various brothels that serviced the cowboys who brought cattle in from the drives.



That had to be a good job for a single man. A married man would have had distaff problems holding the job.

I collect badges. Normally non-replica badges from little agencies. I find them at flea-markets and antique shops. Still, this one will find a prominent place in my collection. Thanks, Junior.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

OK, I just can't hold it anymore.

Exactly what did a Brother Inspector inspect for?

:-)

Pawpaw said...

Oh, any number of things.

I'd suspect that the inspector first made sure that the girls were in the trade willingly. Then he'd make sure that the place was safe to inhabit, then make sure that the prices were in line; that the patrons were getting their money's worth. Also a brothel inspector might deal with customer complaints and act as a mediator about disputes.

Anonymous said...

And I can't hold off asking a question: Why did the person think you were qualified to receive this badge? Oh your collection. OK.

Thought it might be an experience factor as an MP back in the good old das.

Anonymous said...

PawPaw, that sounds like a one-man FTC, FDA, Zoning, Code Enforcement, Better Business Bureau, and Law Enforcement position all rolled into one.

Tough work, but I'm sure there were some rewards. :-)

That badge must certainly be a unique one in your collection.

Anonymous said...

Having spent several decades in Kansas City in the space of only three months, I can easily believe they would have an inspector for anything that would result in an administrator's relative having a paying job at the expense of the taxpayers.