Missoula in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Gleim Building II

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

1. Gleim Building II Marker

Inscription. Mary Gleim, one of Missoula’s most colorful characters, built this “female boarding house” at the heart of the red light district between 1893 and 1902. It operated as a brothel until progressive reforms closed the district in 1916. The building later became an automobile repair shop. Mary owned considerable property in Missoula and elsewhere. Her splashy career included conviction for attempted murder and a prison term at Deer Lodge. Future governor of Montana Joseph Dixon was the prosecuting attorney. While awaiting trial at the county jail, officials let Mary out ostensibly to collect rents from her red light properties. She assaulted a rival but escaped conviction on that charge. During her penitentiary stint, Mary was viciously attacked by another female prisoner and reportedly never quite recovered from the stab wounds. Reputedly a smuggler of laces, diamonds, opium, and Chinese railroad workers, the mountainous madam weighed in at 300 pounds. She was a formidable opponent, “a relentless hater," and a match for any man. “Mother Gleim,” as she was also known, retained title to this two-

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story vernacular commercial style brick building until her death in 1914. She left an estate of $100,000 and explicit instructions for her burial in the city cemetery. According to her wishes, Mary’s tombstone—unlike all others which face east and west—faces the railroad tracks. This way, Mary could bid farewell to the many railroad men and others who were her customers.

Erected by Montana National Register Sign Program.

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

Location. 46° 52.279′ N, 113° 59.86′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It is on West Front Street near Carousel Drive, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 257 West Front Street, Missoula MT 59802, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana

and in Glacier Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark

Gleim Building II and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

2. Gleim Building II and Marker

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 walking distance of this marker: Gleim Building (a few steps from this marker); Studebaker Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Headquarters Building and Daily Company Annex (about 600 feet away); Free Speech Corner (about 700 feet away); The Palace Hotel (about 700 feet away); Lenox Flats (about 700 feet away); Missoula County Courthouse (about 800 feet away); Missoula County War Memorial (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Missoula.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

3. Gleim Building II and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 476 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 17, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.