Saco in Phillips County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

H. Earl Clack Service Station

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2019

1. H. Earl Clack Service Station Marker

Inscription. The service station industry was still in its infancy when businessman H. Earl Clack began building a network of retail gasoline and bulk oil outlets across the northern plains into the Pacific Northwest. His company headquarters were in Havre, and the orange and green Hi-Power logo could be found during the 1930s in virtually every community along the Montana Hi-Line. Prior to World War II, Clack outlets in Montana comprised the most extensive network of retail stations marketing regionally produced petroleum products. Clack was an early proponent of functional gas station design and one of the first retailers to adopt the modern flat-roof that came into vogue in the early 1930s. A rounded canopy over the pump island and three sets of raised chevrons incorporated into the design are distinctive stylistic additions that established Clack’s corporate identity. This vintage example, first operated by Walter “Timber” Woods in the early 1930s, is one of few remaining in the state. Husky Oil Company acquired Clack assets in 1955, and the station was vacant for several years after 1957. In the early 1960s, the Town of Saco leased

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the property. The community added a picnic shelter east of the office and repaired the inside facilities so that the former station could be used as a rest stop for weary US 2 travelers.

Erected by Montana Historical Society; Department of the Interior, National Register of Historic Places.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1955.

Location. 48° 27.391′ N, 107° 20.673′ W. Marker is in Saco, Montana, in Phillips County. It is at the intersection of Taylor Street (U.S. 2) and Larb Creek Road, on the right when traveling east on Taylor Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saco MT 59261, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Montana’s Missouri River Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

on the Great Plains,

and specifically on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is

H. Earl Clack Service Station and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2019

2. H. Earl Clack Service Station and Marker

The marker is above the door.

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 2 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: In the Larb Hills south of Saco (within shouting distance of this marker); Cree Crossing (approx. 10 miles away).

H. Earl Clack Service Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2019

3. H. Earl Clack Service Station

Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 509 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 25, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.