Anchorage's 1940s 'Chili Parlor' Brothel Exposed After Years of Legal Battles

The notorious establishment, run by the 'half Spanish, half Black, and all mean' Marie Cox, was the subject of ongoing legal disputes throughout the decade.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a used condom against a pitch-black background, capturing the gritty, investigative aesthetic of Weegee's crime photography and conceptually representing the illicit activities that took place at the Chili Parlor.A stark visual metaphor for the sordid underbelly of Anchorage's vice operations in the 1940s, where a seemingly innocuous restaurant concealed a thriving brothel.Anchorage Today

In the 1940s, the Chili Parlor in Anchorage was the object of ongoing legal disputes, concluding with a guilty verdict against proprietor Marie Cox in 1948 for operating a brothel. The establishment, which was initially a legitimate restaurant, eventually became a front for prostitution, with waitresses doubling as sex workers in the rooms out back. Despite repeated attempts to shut it down, the Chili Parlor remained in business for years, with Cox employing high-profile lawyer George Grigsby to defend her in court.

Why it matters

The Chili Parlor case highlights the prevalence of vice operations masquerading as legitimate businesses in early 20th century Anchorage, a time when the city was still establishing itself and struggling with issues of crime and public morality. It also showcases the legal system's challenges in addressing such establishments, as well as the colorful characters involved, from the flamboyant and violent Cox to the infamous lawyer Grigsby.

The details

The Chili Parlor, located on Fifth Avenue in Anchorage, reopened under new ownership in 1943 and soon became a front for prostitution. Proprietor Marie Cox, described as 'half Spanish, half Black, and all mean,' employed waitresses as sex workers in the rooms out back. A white light on the back door signaled the brothel's presence, and a secret buzzer code allowed customers to enter discreetly. The establishment was the subject of numerous legal battles, with Cox repeatedly represented by the shady lawyer George Grigsby. Despite repeated attempts to shut it down, the Chili Parlor remained in business until 1948, when Cox and four other women were finally convicted of operating a brothel and selling liquor without a license.

  • In the summer of 1943, the Chili Parlor reopened under new ownership.
  • By 1945 at the latest, the Chili Parlor was also operating as a brothel.
  • In late May 1945, Anchorage District Attorney Raymond Plummer sought to shut the brothel down.
  • In January 1948, District Attorney Plummer reinitiated his efforts to close the bawdy house.
  • In late February 1948, the trial against Cox and four other women began.

The players

Marie Cox

The mercurial and violent proprietor of the Chili Parlor, described as 'alleged to be half Spanish, half Black, and all mean.'

George Grigsby

A prominent Alaska lawyer who repeatedly represented Cox in the legal battles over the Chili Parlor, known for his questionable tactics and shady defendants.

Raymond Plummer

The Anchorage District Attorney who sought to shut down the Chili Parlor brothel on multiple occasions.

Anthony Dimond

The presiding judge who ordered the Chili Parlor closed for a year in 1945 due to the illicit activities taking place on the premises.

William Olsen

The judge who dismissed a case against Cox in 1947 when the key witnesses failed to appear.

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What they’re saying

“'Finally Marie's short fuse burned down. Fixing George with an evil glare, she demanded, 'Mr. Grigsby, why are you asking me all these questions about that door? You know that door — you are in and out of there three or four nights a week!' There were howls of laughter. Pandemonium!'”

— Wendell Kay, Longtime Alaska lawyer and politician

“'It is evident from testimony that a shameful and abominable crime has been committed.'”

— Anthony Dimond, Presiding judge

“'Sure. I was angry,' and 'And me a good customer, too.'”

— George Kane, Civilian employee at Fort Richardson

“'The first night I was there, I knew something was wrong.'”

— Jennie Pinkston, Housekeeper at the Chili Parlor

“'They have good meals there, didn't they?'”

— George Grigsby, Lawyer

What’s next

In early 1949, Marie Cox petitioned to reopen the Chili Parlor, but her efforts were thwarted when she was arrested for buying stolen government property, diesel fuel from Fort Richardson. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison, ending the Chili Parlor's notorious run.

The takeaway

The Chili Parlor case highlights the prevalence of vice operations masquerading as legitimate businesses in early 20th century Anchorage, as well as the legal system's challenges in addressing such establishments. It also showcases the colorful characters involved, from the flamboyant and violent proprietor Marie Cox to the infamous lawyer George Grigsby, whose questionable tactics were on full display during the trials.