Forsyth in Rosebud County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

E.A. Richardson Residence

Forsyth Residential Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

1. E.A. Richardson Residence Marker

Inscription. Cast concrete block was an exciting new technology in the 1900s. While critics labeled it “cheap and vulgar,” builders and homeowners embraced it as a “substantial and beautiful substitute for stone.” Durable, affordable, and simple to manufacture, the material—virtually unheard of in 1900—was widely used by 1906, when Forsyth mason Carson Conn began producing concrete blocks in a variety of finishes. Nationally, cast concrete brought architectural ornamentation within financial reach of the masses. In Forsyth, however, this elegant “free classic” Queen Anne house is one of the few to feature the decorative substitute. In typical Queen Anne style, the 1908 home boasts a variety of surface shapes and textures, while its classical front porch columns and hipped roof suggest a Colonial Revival influence. E. A. and Lillian Richardson, for whom the house was built, moved to Forsyth from Crow Agency in 1907 to take advantage of the booming homestead economy. Richardson first opened his Forsyth store in 1903; under his watchful eye, it grew into the city’s largest department store.

Erected

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 16.128′ N, 106° 40.63′ W. Marker is in Forsyth, Montana, in Rosebud County. It is at the intersection of North 12th Avenue and River Street, on the left when traveling north on North 12th Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 316 North 12th Avenue, 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 Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other

E.A. Richardson Residence and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

2. E.A. Richardson Residence and Marker

nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lida Parker Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Taber Residence (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); E.A. Cornwell Residence (about 300 feet away); Edwards Residence (about 300 feet away); 310 North Eleventh Avenue (about 400 feet away); 241 North Eleventh Avenue (about 400 feet away); 411 North Twelfth Avenue (about 400 feet away); F.V.H. Collins Residence (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Forsyth.

E.A. Richardson Residence image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

3. E.A. Richardson Residence

Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 262 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 18, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.