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

The Hub

Lewistown Central Business Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 17, 2019

1. The Hub Marker

Inscription. Lewistown’s population tripled between 1900 and 1910 and the booming building trade attracted stonemasons and craftsmen, many of them Croatian immigrants, who settled here. The upper façade of this 1908 one-story commercial building, revealed during restoration in 1990, exemplifies the fine stonework of these Old World artisans. Also uncovered was the original sign for The Hub clothing store, located here for many years, and the motto (which is repeated on the sidewalk) of proprietor Joe Alweis. A respected early day resident and local property owner, Alweis is fondly remembered by “old timers” for his big-hearted generosity during the hard times of drought and depression. If a customer couldn’t afford clothing, he had to “just pay the freight.”

Erected by The Montana National Register Sign Program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 47° 3.949′ N, 109° 25.516′ W. Marker

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is in Lewistown, Montana, in Fergus County. It is on West Main Street (U.S. 87) near 2nd Avenue North, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 211 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: US Land Office / Warr Building (a few steps from this marker); Warr Building (a few steps from this marker); Mackey Building (Montana Tavern) (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Fergus County (within shouting distance of this marker); Montana Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Power Mercantile Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hopkins Grocery (about 300

The Hub and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 17, 2019

2. The Hub and Marker

The marker is at the lower left of the building.

feet away); Knerr-Tubb Block / Armory Hall (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewistown.

Photographed by Google Maps

3. The Hub and Marker

The marker is on the left. Note the "Just Pay the Freight" embedded between the posts.

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 252 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 2. submitted on December 13, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on December 10, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.