By Steve Pike
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkno/local-wkno-737857.mp3
Memphis, TN – Annie Cook took up the infamous occupation of Madame at the Mansion House brothel in Memphis following the civil war. When yellow fever struck Memphis, Cook, rather than fleeing for the safety of the country, converted her brothel into a hospital for victims of the disease. Her unselfish giving caught the attention of local reporters who told of her good deeds, leading to a recommendation from the Christian Women of Louisville. Unfortunately, Cook contracted yellow fever in the 1878 outbreak. She is now buried in Elmwood Cemetery.
Memphis Moments is co-produced by the Pink Palace Family of Museums (http://www.memphismuseums.org) and WKNO-FM and airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays during All Things Considered on the WKNO Stations.