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 Mercantiles 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 Mercantiles 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
Location. 46° 16.282′ N, 106° 40.761′ W. Marker is in Forsyth, Montana, in Rosebud County. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in Montana’s Northern Cheyenne Nation, in Southeast Montana, in Custer Country and in the Powder River Basin. It is also in the American Mountain West, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, on the Great Plains, and specifically on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 542 North Twelfth Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Sorenson Residence (about 400 feet away, measured
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020
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 204 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
