Exotic World, the Burlesque Museum run by famed dancer Dixie Evans, is in trouble! Here is a story that hit the AP news wire May 28, 2003:
 

HELENDALE, Calif. -  A museum dedicated to burlesque memorabilia is struggling financially after spending thousands of dollars to fix a string of code violations.

The Exotic World Museum of Burlesque and Striptease Hall of Fame features photographs, tattered gowns, faded G-strings and pasties from the golden age of burlesque, which was popular in American theater from the 1930s to the 1950s.

The museum opened in 1991, but doesn't have a permit to operate, according to San Bernardino County code enforcement officials. It also has been given notice of inadequate or hazardous wiring, substandard conditions and running an illegal mobile home park.

Exotic World can stay open as long as it gets a land-use permit, said Randy Rogers, code enforcement supervisor.

The museum has begun to fix the violations, but the costs have cut into profits, which were $12,000 last year. So far it has spent $10,000 to tear down two illegal trailers, fix the wiring, remove nearly nine tons of trash and apply for a conditional use permit.

The museum halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas gets about 15 visitors a day.

"This is going to cost everything I've got," said owner Charles Arroyo.

He's hoping to make about $4,000 in profits from the annual Striptease Reunion and Miss Exotic World Pageant scheduled for June 7. Even then, he said, "most of it is already burned up."
 

And below is an open letter from Charlie Arroyo (Jennie Lee's widower and owner of exotic world) & Dixie Evans (the 'Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque' and president of the museum):
 

Dear Friends of Exotic World,

Thank you very much for your concern about the Exotic World Burlesque Museum & Striptease Hall of Fame. As you may have heard, Exotic World is facing severe financial troubles, and was recently cited by the San Bernardino County code officials for some modest building violations, which we are in the process of addressing.

Is it true that Exotic World is struggling financially? Yes. But those of us who care about this remarkable collection of burlesque artifacts are committed to raising the funds necessary to secure its future. And you can help.

We are confident that, with a little help from our friends, we can preserve Exotic World's place as the world's foremost burlesque museum, and will be launching a major fundraising drive to assure its doors remain open to the public.

If you would like to donate funds to help preserve Exotic World, you can do so either online (http://www.exoticworldusa.org/frame_support.html) or via "snail mail" (address below). No amount is too small -- or too large -- and your donation will go a long way towards ensuring that the collection is around to educate and inspire future generations of burlesque enthusiasts.
 

Many thanks,
Dixie & Charlie

Exotic World
29053 Wild Road
Helendale, CA 92342

Exotic World's website>>>