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• Courtesy of the Humboldt Historical Society

Ever wonder what went on behind closed doors in some of your favorite Old Town haunts? Eureka is steeped in colorful history; find it at the Humboldt County Historical Society's Raise the Roof: Tales of Old Town, a fundraiser with dinner, music, cocktails and a peek into yesteryear this Friday, June 10 at 6 p.m. at the Eagle House Victorian Inn ($75).

Local historian Alex Service has the scoop on who's who from Humboldt's heyday. Hear tawdry tales about Eureka's infamous nightlife from the 1860s to 1930s. Back then, instead of coffee shops and bookstores, Old Town had 32 brothels and 65 saloons, including the Glo Room at the Hotel Monte Carlo, where torch singer Margaret "Muzzy" Paul sang. Vocal artist Claire Bent and her band the Lonesome Sunday Quartet will bring the 1940s to life in a tribute to Paul, known as "The Last of the Red Hot Mamas."

Feast on salmon or prime rib and hear tales of the area's wilder times courtesy of longtime residents Evo Fanucchi, Laurie Lazio and Bill Williams. Money raised from the event goes to a new roof over the Humboldt County Historical Society's digs, the historic Barnum House. Tip your bartender.