Whitefish in Flathead County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Robinson Building
(Block 35; Lot 13)
Historical Walking Tour of Whitefish, Montana
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2020
1. Robinson Building Marker
Captions: (top right) Neville Drug (ca. 1920); (bottom left) Sandra's/Neville Drug (ca. 1970).
This building, built in 1921 by J.A. Robinson, has housed a variety of businesses in the ensuing decades. When construction was announced, the Whitefish Pilot called the lot in the heart of the emerging downtown complex "the most valuable piece of vacant property in the city." Cost of the land and planned brick building was estimated at $30,000, construction was of the same type as the new Presbyterian Church a block to the south.
Two established businesses, the Star Clothing and Shoe Co. and Haines Drug, opened for business here on October 3. 1921. Both moved out in 1925. In 1945, the Frederick family acquired the building. Later it was owned briefly by jeweler Joe Gerber and his wife Hazel, then by Clyde "Buddy" Decker and his wife Florence, and subsequently by dentist John Petersen.
For many years, a pharmacy variously called Neville Drug, City Pharmacy and Chalet City Pharmacy occupied part of the building. Van Aken clothing was a tenant for a few years in the 1950's. In the 60's and 70's, Florence Decker operated a popular women's clothing store here; after her death, the shop has a succession of owners. As of 2002,
this page online
Erected by Stumptown Historical Society and Whitefish Community Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is October 3, 1921.
Location. 48° 24.646′ N, 114° 20.197′ W. Marker is in Whitefish, Montana, in Flathead County. Marker is on Central Avenue near East 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 141 Central Avenue, Whitefish MT 59937, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Haines Drugs (a few steps from this marker); Pastime Pool Hall (a few steps from this marker); Orpheum Theatre Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Hori Cafe Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Palace Bar (within shouting distance of this marker); Former Site of 1st National Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Casey's Bar (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church of Whitefish (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whitefish.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2020
2. Robinson Building and Marker
The marker is at the corner of the building.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2020
3. Spring
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2020
4. Summer
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2020
5. Autumn
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2020
6. Winter
Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 14, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
