Hamilton in Ravalli County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

337 West Main

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

1. 337 West Main Marker

Inscription. With material and manpower redirected to winning the fight against fascism, commercial and domestic construction practically ceased during World War II. After the war, pent up demand led to a mini construction boom. With very few lots left on the 100 and 200 blocks of Main, downtown expanded west. Ravalli County Deputy Clerk and Recorder Anna Read owned this property in 1947. That year contractor Lyle Rasmussen constructed a one-story building here for use as a restaurant. It later housed an auto parts store and then the Sears Department Store. The modest, brick structure represents the shift away from ornamentation. The architectural movement toward simplicity, which began in the 1930s, solidified after World War II. The building’s design echoes earlier Hamilton business blocks with its large display windows, designed to attract pedestrians. In addition, like the business blocks that preceded it, the building abuts the sidewalk rather than providing room for landscaping or a parking lot, as later businesses would do. Unlike those earlier buildings, however, striated multicolored brick provides almost its only decoration.

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Women. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 14.808′ N, 114° 9.588′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Montana, in Ravalli County. It is on West Main Street (State Highway 531) near 4th Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 337 West Main Street, Hamilton MT 59840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana,

in Glacier Country,

and in Greater Missoula.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies:

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

2. 337 West Main Marker

The marker is at the right corner of the building.

Telephone Exchange (here, next to this marker); United States Post Office (a few steps from this marker); Hamilton Commercial Historic District (a few steps from this marker); Carnegie Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); City Hall (about 400 feet away); First National Bank (about 700 feet away); Ravalli County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Daly Mansion (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 310 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 21, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.