Living History: Josephine Wolfe and the red light district of Walla Walla

In this Living History performance, Josephine Wolfe will talk about her industry — what was Walla Walla’s “red light district” in the late 1800s. Better known as Dutch Jo, Josephine Wolfe was a competent businesswoman who took pride in performing an important service in her community. She came to Walla Walla around 1860 and ran two upscale establishments for gentlemen. She insisted on a high degree of decorum from her employees. She provided them with regular health checkups and good clothing that was fashionable and not too revealing. She was also a benefactress in the community, particularly to the local fire department. She paid for the fire fighter's statue at Mountain View Cemetery, where she and several of her employees are also buried. A copy of the statue is located at Crawford Park on Main Street next to the Farmer’s Market, which is near one of her former establishments. Josephine Wolfe is portrayed by Living History reenactor Diane Somerville.