They burned the whorehouse! Millions mourned when the infamous brothel goes up in flames. For over 70 years Effie's Brothel was a part of life at the University of Georgia and the Naval Supply Corps School in Athens, Georgia. As much as Bulldog games and the Varsity going to Effie’s was a tradition for the Fraternities and the sailors. Men went for entertainment, sex and to lose their virginity. Effie Mathews was happy to provide all three. Prostitution was not legal in Clarke County but Effie’s was viewed as a quiet way to handle the needs of male students. Community churches and political candidates would protest from time to time, but it was always business as usual.

Effie Mathews died in 1966 and the whorehouse closed in 1974. On February 11th, 1977 the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department burned Effie’s for a fire-training exercise. The streets around the buildings were packed with mourners. Like it or not, another national landmark went out in a blaze of glory. This story aired on WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News in 1977.

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Long before CNN and Fox News the Traveler series with Andy Johnston was an Emmy award winning program that showcased amazing people, unusual things, local legends, food finds, outdoor activities, folk art, and family fun. In 2022 the Walter J. Brown Media Archives at the University of Georgia founded The Original Georgia Traveler -- Andy Johnston Collection to preserve and maintain the stories.

This story is presented for educational and preservation purposes and is covered under Fair Use. At the time it was broadcast the television station had a blanket music license with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. The station maintains that license today. All music used is covered under that agreement.

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