The Ghost of Mexican Rita

by Frances Murphy

29” by 22”

This quilt was inspired by a visit to Vulture City ghost town, an abandoned mining town near Wickenburg, Arizona, that was founded in 1863 by Henry Wickenburg. Vulture City is truly a "ghost" town. Several people have had "ghostly" experiences while visiting Vulture City through the years, especially in the bedroom of Mexican Rita, the madame of the local brothel. I photographed the window of Mexican Rita's bedroom, and when I looked at the photograph later, it appeared that Mexican Rita was standing at the window looking in. Why she is haunting her bedroom is anyone’s guess.