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

Missoula Laundry Company

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

1. Missoula Laundry Company Marker

Inscription. In 1915, Nettie and Joseph Hagen expanded their Model Laundry Company by purchasing the Missoula Laundry Company and moving their business into the newly completed west section of this building. That original structure and its later additions represent three different commercial architectural styles. Built during the construction boom that followed the advent of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad in Missoula, the first of the laundry’s three parts features the crenelated roof and ornamental brickwork of a vernacular style. In 1928 and 1929, architect H. Elmer Kirkemo, then associated with the distinguished Missoula firm of Gibson and Bakke, designed the two stylistically sophisticated, pre-Depression era additions. The central portion dominates, with its terra cotta parapet, window sills, and detailing providing one of Missoula’s best examples of the mature Art Deco style. The final addition on the east end reflects the Western commercial style and features a concrete cornice and pilasters that echo the styling of the center section. The Hagens sold their business in 1947 to nephews Larry, Herman, and Karl Topel,

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and it has since remained in the Topel family. The old-fashioned advertising signs painted directly on the brick speak to a bygone era, reminding customers of long-standing service.

Erected by 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 Art Deco, and the Montana National Register Sign Program series lists.

Location. 46° 52.419′ N, 113° 59.512′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It is on East Spruce Street near North Pattee Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 East Spruce 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

Missoula Laundry Company and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

2. Missoula Laundry Company and Marker

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: The Atlantic Hotel (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Apartment Building at 116 West Spruce (about 600 feet away); Northern Pacific Railroad Depot (about 600 feet away); Joseph Dixon Residence (about 700 feet away); Federal Building & United States Post Office (about 700 feet away); Francis L. Worden Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dixon-Duncan Block (approx. 0.2 miles away); Missoula County War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Missoula.

Missoula Laundry Company image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

3. Missoula Laundry Company

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2019

4. Missoula Laundry Company

Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 264 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 20, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.