Lewistown in Fergus County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Mackey Building (Montana Tavern)

Lewistown Central Business Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 17, 2019

1. Mackey Building (Montana Tavern) Marker

Inscription. Constructed during the 1911 half-million-dollar Lewistown building boom, the $20,000 Mackey Building sits directly over Big Spring Creek. A blend of Romanesque and Classical Revival styles, the structure maintains much of its original façade, including the original Mackey Building sign in the colorful exterior checkerboard masonry work. Mrs. Pearl Bloom accommodated borders in the Mackey Rooming House on the second floor until 1922 when it became the Spokane Hotel. Along with a clean room, guests could enjoy a game of billiards and a cold drink at the Rialto Pool Hall. The Blue Goose Saloon operated here in conjunction with the Rialto until 1916. Prohibition forced the Blue Goose’s closure in 1918. Joseph Alweis ran the Hub Clothing out of 202 1⁄2 West Main from 1914 to 1916, and again from 1918 to 1941. The Montana Tavern opened after Prohibition. Patrons can still view Spring Creek through an opening in the floor.

Erected by The Montana National Register Sign Program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.

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In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 47° 3.967′ N, 109° 25.513′ W. Marker is in Lewistown, Montana, in Fergus County. It is at the intersection of West Main Street (U.S. 87) and 2nd Avenue North, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 West Main Street, Lewistown MT 59457, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana in Russell Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

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 walking distance of this marker: Warr Building (a few steps from this marker); US Land Office / Warr Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hub (within shouting distance of this marker); Hopkins Grocery (within

Mackey Building (Montana Tavern) and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 17, 2019

2. Mackey Building (Montana Tavern) and Marker

The marker is at the right on the course of bricks.

shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Fergus County (within shouting distance of this marker); Montana Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Knerr-Tubb Block / Armory Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Wiedeman Apartments (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewistown.

Mackey Building (Montana Tavern) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 17, 2019

3. Mackey Building (Montana Tavern)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 358 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.