Daily moments
She Could Blow the lid off the Whole Town
The Batavia brothel known as The Palace Hotel on Jackson Street, where Edna Gruber’s girls sold sexual favors, operated with impunity just steps from the court house and police station. Locally published versions of her history and family lore advanced untrue myths and admitted mysteries about her origin, family, and her entry into the underworld. Her customers included Western New York men from all walks of life including regular visits from the Chief of Police and other important members of the community.
She was widely known throughout Genesee County NY for her openly illegal operations, her forceful often crude personality, her flamboyant attire, and that she held no truck with anyone who would imperil or mistreat a child. She was said to curse like a sailor as part of her normal discourse and drunk much of the time.
Rising from the working poor in Buffalo at the turn of the century, she became the embodiment of the Sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of the county justices, police officers, and politicians all the while performing legendary acts of generosity and philanthropy.
If Edna was forced into a corner, she could blow the lid off the entire town. She thought she was safe from prosecution.
She was widely known throughout Genesee County NY for her openly illegal operations, her forceful often crude personality, her flamboyant attire, and that she held no truck with anyone who would imperil or mistreat a child. She was said to curse like a sailor as part of her normal discourse and drunk much of the time.
Rising from the working poor in Buffalo at the turn of the century, she became the embodiment of the Sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of the county justices, police officers, and politicians all the while performing legendary acts of generosity and philanthropy.
If Edna was forced into a corner, she could blow the lid off the entire town. She thought she was safe from prosecution.