Ida Bailey - Ida Bailey ran the most respectable of the more than 100 brothels in the "Stingaree". Her Parlor House, which stood on 4th Avenue, was called the Canary Cottage due to its yellow coat of paint. Ida ran an orderly house, no smoking or swearing was allowed and her girls wore light make-up and dressed tastefully. Frequently, neighborhood children were seen playing in the yard by day, but it was their daddies who played by night. Ida displayed her "merchandise" by dressing up her employees on Sunday afternoons, renting a carriage and driving through the better neighborhoods, waving to the people as they worked in their yards. This incensed the good ladies of town (and no doubt frightened some of the husbands who feared they would be recognized by Ida's girls).

Ida became a prime target for their frustration of the police lack of interest in enforcing the laws. These proper ladies of society formed the "Purity League" to pressure the police and city officials to take action against the illegal activities that ran rampant in the area. Fortunately for Ida, her clientele was said to have included mayors, councilmen and police officers. Needless to say she was well informed of forthcoming raids which no doubt helped her stay in business for a long time. Eventually, the Purity League Ladies prevailed, and Ida was forced to give up her livelihood. Ida remained in the neighborhood, and for a time she cared for a house full of mixed race children. It was speculated that these children were the offspring of her employees. Sadly, in her later years, Ida could be seen on the streets of San Diego, wandering about in carpet slippers, a shadow of the once beautiful and powerful woman who will be forever known as San Diego's most famous madam.