Madame Millie

A special website of the Silver City - Grant County Chamber of Commerce.

Grant County is in the sunny southwest corner of New Mexico.

A large map of the county, showing points of interest, roads and features of the county, is available here.

Upcoming Events in Grant County

First Friday Downtown and Gateway Arch Dedication
September 3, 5:00 pm
Most businesses are open late! Street Life, music, puppets, stilt people, drama, stuff for kids, and more. And special dedication ceremonies for the Downtown Gateway Arch. Location: Downtown Silver City Phone: 575-534-9005

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Astronomy Evening
September 4, 7:00 pm
ASTRONOMY EVENING AT GILA CLIFF DWELLINGS NATIONAL MONUMENT For: Saturday, September 4, 2010 Take advantage of New Mexico’s magnificent dark skies by attending the season’s second astronomy evening at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument on Saturday, September 4th beginning at 7:00 p.m. Schedule of events: 7:00 – 7:15 p.m. Make your own Star Wheel Navigate your way around the night sky. This fun take-home planisphere will show you “what’s up” each night. 7:15 – 8:00 Evening program: The Life and Times of Aldo Leopold Dr. Scott Fritz, Assistant Professor of History at Western New Mexico University will present an illustrated evening program “The Life and Times of Aldo Leopold” at the Aldo Leopold Amphitheater adjacent to the Gila Visitor Center. 8:00 – 8:30 p.m. Evening program: Stars of the Gila Dr. Al Grauer, an astronomer from the University of Arizona will offer visitors an opportunity to explore the wonders of the cosmos with “Stars of the Gila” an evening program examining the connection between the night sky and the Gila’s earliest inhabitants. 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. Night sky viewing (weather permitting). Telescopes provided by area astronomers, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own field glasses or telescopes. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Becky Latanich at (575) 536-9461 or by e-mail at becky_latanich@nps.gov. Location: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Phone: 575-536-9461

Madame Millie

By Lois Duffy

Mildred Clark Cusey (later deemed, “Madame Millie”) was born near Kansas City, Kansas. She was sadly orphaned at an early age due to the death of her parents and temporarily separated from her ailing older sister. Millie’s life was then filled with hard times on the streets and in many foster homes. Once, when Millie got into trouble, she appeared in court before Judge Harry Truman, one of many politicians she was to meet again later in life.

Her sister’s poor health, diagnosed as tuberculosis, prompted their move to the southwest where Millie worked as a “Harvey Girl” to support the two of them. Bearing the brunt of medical bills, she quickly learned that she could make money faster by turning tricks. This would ultimately lead to a wild life and career in prostitution as she traveled throughout the West with many unbelievable adventures. During her “professional” life, along with her bordellos, Millie would also own restaurants, beauty parlors, parking lots and bars across the country.

Eventually, she settled in Silver City on Hudson Street (very close to where the Chamber of Commerce now stands). Here she ran her bordellos and became a much loved character with a heart of gold. She contributed heavily to local charities and had many friends in high places. Her business was closed down in 1968, but Millie remained in the area (retiring in Santa Clara) until her death in 1993 at the age of 87. Millie was buried by her husband’s side at the Fort Bayard National Cemetery in Grant County. To this day, many of the local residents still tell her stories.

The tale of her colorful life has been portrayed in Max Evan’s book “Madame Millie,” published by University of New Mexico Press. As time goes on Millie has become a legend and a celebrated part of Silver City and Grant County’s history.

Photo and some information courtesy "Madame Mille" by Max Evans and University of New Mexico Press.

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