Near Sanders in Treasure County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Sanders Gymnasium

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

1. Sanders Gymnasium Marker

Inscription. A sense of community and a place to gather were essential in homesteading settlements like Sanders. In 1910, the area’s residents rallied together to build a club house on this site. Each donated $15 or its equivalent in labor, and the building, though crudely assembled, served for nearly thirty years. By the late 1930s, the club house was in disrepair. The Sanders School District wanted a facility that could double as a gymnasium serving Sanders Elementary School next door. A bond election secured funds and the old building was cleared away. Acclaimed regional architect John G. Link drew the plans while Billings contractor Steve Mercer won the bid at $3,500. The rustic exterior of rugged square-notched logs is a surprising contrast to the interior’s lofty ceiling of arched fir and polished hardwood floor. A basketball court, raised stage, built-in seating and state-of-the-art lighting reflected modern technologies despite a lack of indoor plumbing. A community dance christened the new hall and gymnasium on June 29, 1940. Sanders’ population began to dwindle and the school closed in 1948. It was later moved to Hysham, but

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the front gate and two-hole privy remain part of the historic landscape. The hall continued to host dances, reunions, receptions, school plays, and rousing games. Local residents, including descendants of area homesteaders, have carefully refurbished this well-loved place. Its unassuming presence is a shining example of grand things that can be found in unexpected places.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 29, 1940.

Location. 46° 17.453′ N, 107° 6.119′ W. Marker is near Sanders, Montana, in Treasure County. It is on Old Highway 10 near Mackley Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 596 Old Highway 10 East, Sanders MT 59076, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically outheast Montana in Custer Country. It is also in the American Mountain West,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

Sanders Gymnasium and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2020

2. Sanders Gymnasium and Marker

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 nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Yellowstone Valley (approx. 2.8 miles away); Fort Pease (approx. 6.2 miles away); Yucca Theatre and David M. Manning Residence (approx. 6.2 miles away); Jedediah Smith (approx. 8.7 miles away); a different marker also named Jedediah Smith (approx. 8.7 miles away); Hysham and Treasure County (approx. 8.7 miles away); Howard School (approx. 9.8 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 220 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 22, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.