Lewistown in Fergus County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
108 Hawthorne Avenue
Judith Place Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 18, 2019
1. 108 Hawthorne Avenue Marker
Inscription.
108 Hawthorne Avenue. Judith Place Historic District. The Empire Land Company constructed many of Judith Place’s most fashionable residences, including this one- and-one-half-story Craftsman style home circa 1914. Reflecting the Progressive Era’s emphasis on efficiency, the company adopted the relatively new “systems approach” to building, which used standard-sized studs and joists to expedite construction. Advertising themselves as “Lewistown’s Home Builders,” the Empire Land Company promised to “furnish plans, use first class materials and guarantee workmanship.” Despite its commitment to standardization, the company varied details to give each home an individual flare. In the case of this house, a full- length porch tucked under the upper attic story, exposed rafter tails, a W-truss tracery, and decorative barge boards distinguish the exterior. Attorney W. R. Kirk briefly owned the home before selling it in 1916 to Charles and Daisy McClave. The McClaves lived here with their two children, a maid, and Daisy’s mother through the early 1920s. The now defunct town of McClave was named for Charles, who served as president and manager of Montana Flour Mills. His company’s slogan, “It’s the wheat,” reflected his connection to area farms.
The Empire Land Company constructed many of Judith Place’s most fashionable residences, including this one- and-one-half-story Craftsman style home circa 1914. Reflecting the Progressive Era’s emphasis on efficiency, the company adopted the relatively new “systems approach” to building, which used standard-sized studs and joists to expedite construction. Advertising themselves as “Lewistown’s Home Builders,” the Empire Land Company promised to “furnish plans, use first class materials and guarantee workmanship.” Despite its commitment to standardization, the company varied details to give each home an individual flare. In the case of this house, a full- length porch tucked under the upper attic story, exposed rafter tails, a W-truss tracery, and decorative barge boards distinguish the exterior. Attorney W. R. Kirk briefly owned the home before selling it in 1916 to Charles and Daisy McClave. The McClaves lived here with their two children, a maid, and Daisy’s mother through the early 1920s. The now defunct town of McClave was named for Charles, who served as president and manager of Montana Flour Mills. His company’s slogan, “It’s the wheat,” reflected his connection to area farms.
Erected by The Montana National Register Sign Program.
Location. 47° 4.26′ N, 109° 25.026′ W. Marker is in Lewistown, Montana, in Fergus County. Marker is on Hawthorne Avenue near East Broadway Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 Hawthorne Avenue, Lewistown MT 59457, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 12, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
