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

BPOE Lodge #383

This Property Contributes to the Missoula Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

1. BPOE Lodge #383 Marker

Inscription. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A., Hell Gate Lodge #383, has offered conviviality, community service, and social support since its founding in 1898. In 1911 lodge members contracted with Montana’s premier architectural firm of Link and Haire to design this Neoclassical style building. One of the most outstanding examples of institutional Neoclassical architecture in Missoula, the three-story brick lodge features a recessed, arcaded gallery; monumental columns and balconies; large, scrolled brackets; and extensive use of terra cotta. Decorative terra cotta graces the cornice, window surrounds, scrolled brackets, and the massive, Ionic style fluted columns. Like many fraternal organizations, the Elks chose to meet on the second floor, for privacy, while earning income by renting the first floor. The Missoula Mercantile implement store occupied the prime retail space. A 1950 remodel transformed the first floor, but the upper floors’ exterior look much as they did in 1911. In addition to meeting rooms, the Elks Lodge contained two bars, thirty-two apartments, a swimming pool (later transformed into a basketball

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court), a weight room, locker room, shooting range, and bowling alley (now a third bar).

Erected by Montana National Register Sign Program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 52.2′ N, 113° 59.61′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It is on North Pattee Street near East Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 North Pattee 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 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

BPOE Lodge #383 Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

2. BPOE Lodge #383 Building and Marker

The marker is on the right side of the entrance.

of this marker: Missoula Mercantile Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Newton Residence and Shop (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Labor Temple (about 300 feet away); Free Speech Corner (about 500 feet away); Headquarters Building and Daily Company Annex (about 600 feet away); Dixon-Duncan Block (about 700 feet away); Federal Building & United States Post Office (about 700 feet away); Danger Ahead! (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Missoula.

BPOE Lodge #383 Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

3. BPOE Lodge #383 Building

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

4. BPOE Lodge #383 Building

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 388 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 19, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.