Forsyth in Rosebud County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
610 North Twelfth Avenue
Forsyth Residential Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020
1. 610 North Twelfth Avenue Marker
Inscription.
610 North Twelfth Avenue. Forsyth Residential Historic District. Standing just outside the original town site, this two-story home is believed to be one of the first residences constructed so close to the Yellowstone River. It was a dangerous place to build since despite early dikes, the river was still prone to floods. The concrete block foundation of this wooden home dates its construction to around 1906, after local mason Carson Conn had begun manufacturing the “pressed stone building material,” which he “guaranteed against frost and dampness.” Although several local buildings used the material in their foundations, only two Forsyth homes prominently feature the decorative concrete blocks. These were built by E. A. Richardson, founder of the Richardson Mercantile, and his nephew and employee E. A. Cornwell. Hal Withington, who is believed to have built this home, may well have learned about the technology from them. He worked with both men as manager of the Richardson Mercantile’s grocery department.
Standing just outside the original town site, this two-story home is believed to be one of the first residences constructed so close to the Yellowstone River. It was a dangerous place to build since despite early dikes, the river was still prone to floods. The concrete block foundation of this wooden home dates its construction to around 1906, after local mason Carson Conn had begun manufacturing the “pressed stone building material,” which he “guaranteed against frost and dampness.” Although several local buildings used the material in their foundations, only two Forsyth homes prominently feature the decorative concrete blocks. These were built by E. A. Richardson, founder of the Richardson Mercantile, and his nephew and employee E. A. Cornwell. Hal Withington, who is believed to have built this home, may well have learned about the technology from them. He worked with both men as manager of the Richardson Mercantile’s grocery department.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 46° 16.282′ N, 106° 40.761′
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W. Marker is in Forsyth, Montana, in Rosebud County. Marker is at the intersection of Willow Street and North 12th Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Willow Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Forsyth MT 59327, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020
2. 610 North Twelfth Avenue Residence and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
