elcome to the official website of Jayme Lynn Blaschke! The infamous Chicken Ranch closed forever on Aug. 1, 1973, and now, half a century later, the 50th Anniversary Edition of Inside the Texas Chicken Ranch: The Definitive Account of the Best Little Whorehouse, is now available from the History Press. Revised, updated and expanded, this new edition reveals more of this intriguing, forgotten history than ever before.
Jayme is an in-demand guest for history podcasts of late. You may hear him interviewed by Dr. Jessica Cale on the Dirty, Sexy History podcast and Dr. Stephen Sloan of Baylor University’s Institute for Oral History on the Waco History Podcast from Rogue Media. He is also a guest on American History Hit Podcast, an international production that delves into all manner of historical curiosities large and small, hosted by Don Wildman. Jayme's appearance on Great Day Houston may be viewed on the KHOU-TV Channel 11 website.
Inside The Texas Chicken Ranch 50th Anniversary Edition | Official Trailer
Because of length and cost considerations, the bibliography for Inside the Texas Chicken Ranch was cut from the final published version. Those seeking the complete bibliography for whatever reason may find it here.
Lots of people have heard of the Chicken Ranch, and no wonder--the Broadway musical and subsequent motion picture The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas have quite possibly made it into the most famous brothel in the world. Or rather, ex-brothel, since they've not been accepting paying customers since 1973. Despite its celebrity status, a great deal of what passes for common knowledge about the Chicken Ranch is flat-out wrong, or at least wildly inaccurate.
Edna Milton (1928-2012)
Edna Milton Chadwell, otherwise known as Miss Edna, the last madam of the Chicken Ranch, passed away in February 2012 at the age of 84. My thoughts on her passing may be found here. Nobody supported my efforts to write a book on the history of the Chicken Ranch more than she did, and hope I'm able to live up to her expectations.
The story of the Chicken Ranch is as outrageous as it is improbable. My research has taken me to interesting places, introduced me to fascinating people and opened my eyes to an entirely unexpected era of Texas history. You're invited to come along for the ride...