Miles City in Custer County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Ulmer House
Carriage House Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020
1. Ulmer House Marker
Inscription.
Ulmer House. Carriage House Historic District. The elegance of this magnificent Neoclassical style mansion belies the humble roots of its first owner, George H. Ulmer, the Pennsylvania-born son of a German immigrant. Ulmer came to Miles City in 1883, and by 1889 partners George Miles and Charles Strevell had added Ulmer’s name to their pioneer hardware firm. It became the largest hardware company in southeastern Montana. Helena-based architect Charles S. Haire designed the home for Ulmer and his wife, Flora, in 1902. Haire, whose talents contributed much to the local streetscape, was at that time frequently in Miles City supervising the design and construction of the Carnegie Library and the Ursuline Convent. These and the Ulmer residence showcase the architect’s fluency in the Neoclassical style. Haire’s design of this residence helped inspire a new trend in Miles City’s domestic architecture. A grand semicircular entry porch, Ionic columns, Palladian windows, and a central pediment with an inset lunette are elements characteristic of the style. Very fine detailing includes molded pilasters, a carved wreath above the main entry, paneled oak doors, and beveled glass.
The elegance of this magnificent Neoclassical style mansion belies the humble roots of its first owner, George H. Ulmer, the Pennsylvania-born son of a German immigrant. Ulmer came to Miles City in 1883, and by 1889 partners George Miles and Charles Strevell had added Ulmer’s name to their pioneer hardware firm. It became the largest hardware company in southeastern Montana. Helena-based architect Charles S. Haire designed the home for Ulmer and his wife, Flora, in 1902. Haire, whose talents contributed much to the local streetscape, was at that time frequently in Miles City supervising the design and construction of the Carnegie Library and the Ursuline Convent. These and the Ulmer residence showcase the architect’s fluency in the Neoclassical style. Haire’s design of this residence helped inspire a new trend in Miles City’s domestic architecture. A grand semicircular entry porch, Ionic columns, Palladian windows, and a central pediment with an inset lunette are elements characteristic of the style. Very fine detailing includes molded pilasters, a carved wreath above the main entry, paneled oak doors, and beveled glass.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
Location. 46° 24.526′ N, 105° 50.783′ W. Marker is in Miles City, Montana, in Custer County. Marker is at the intersection of Pleasant Street and North 10th Street, on the left when traveling east on Pleasant Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1003 Pleasant Street, Miles City MT 59301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020
2. Ulmer House and Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2020
3. Ulmer House
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
