Emmaline Benjamin (a.k.a. Nellie Clark) is one of the most famous citizens in Kankakee’s history.

Emmaline Benjamin (a.k.a. Nellie Clark) is one of the most famous citizens in Kankakee’s history.

Nellie Clark was a prostitute and madam who ran a brothel for nearly 50 years. Kankakee was notorious for it's houses of ill repute, and Nell’s place operated openly. At the end of the 19th century there were several brothels in the city of Kankakee, which were frequented by railroad men. The undisputed "Queen Madam," in Kankakee was Nelly Clark, who is seen seated to the right in this 1906 image.  The woman leaning over her is one of her "Best Girls," her 18-year-old daughter Gertie Clark. Nellie Clark's establishment, known as the "Resort," was located on Kankakee's West Avenue, conveniently near the Illinois centrals Kankakee passenger depot. Nellie liked to take her girls for Sunday afternoon rides through Kankakee to "advertise the merchandise." Nellie and her daughter Gertie were so often arrested for operating houses of prostitution, that they had a regular room in the Kankakee County Jail, called the "Bridal Suite, which they furnished themselves. Nell died in 1942, at her place of residence at 367 S West Avenue. What is left of what once was Nellie's notorious brothel is now today known as The City Tavern (pictured).

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