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Nellie K. Spencer was an early-day prostitute and also a survivor. From her childhood to her senior years, she persevered against odds that might have sunk a less determined individual. Her story is that of an indomitable woman who thrived and prospered in the world of prostitution during the waning years of the "Old West." through the "Roaring Twenties," and into the World War II era. Interviewed by author Duane A. Smith in the early 1980s when she was in her nineties, Nellie proudly tells an amazing story of her days "on the line" with no regret. Nellie died March 26, 1984, just ten months after her last interview, and is buried at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango, Colorado. In addition to the insight provided by what was possibly Western Colorado's last "Old West" prostitute, this book also includes information about and maps of some of the states most infamous red light districts of "the day."

Author Duane A. Smith is a Professor of History at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, and author of numerous western history titles, including San Juan Gold, A Visit with the Tomboy Bride, Crested Butte from Coal Camp to Ski Town, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge: A Quick History, A Brief History of Silverton, Rocky Mountain Mining Camps, and The Irrepressible David F. Day - which are all published by and available through Western Reflections Publishing Company.