South Side in Billings in Yellowstone County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Price Motor Sales

Billings Old Town Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020

1. Price Motor Sales Marker

Inscription. The later 1940s and the aftermath of World War II brought economic prosperity. Americans became more stable financially, mobility increased, and so did the demand for automobiles. Price Motor Sales, one example of this trend, opened in 1948 to serve as an automobile dealership and garage. The building also demonstrates how the war impacted architectural styles. The U.S. Army developed the first Quonset hut in 1941 based on a similar British design used during World War I. Named for their origin at Davisville Naval Base, Quonset Point, Rhode Island, the characteristic buildings—with semi-circular arched roofs of corrugated metal—were easily shipped, quickly erected, and suitable for many uses. After the war, Quonset huts were available to the public and they continue to serve multiple uses today. The double-arched Price Motor Sales building reflects the Multiple Utility Building style, a variation on the typical Quonset form, which allowed for greater expansion. Its unique brick façade, with dark brown decorative accents and false front, covers the austere Quonset form and blends well with its Western Commercial

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style neighbors.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Roads & Vehicles.

Location. 45° 46.886′ N, 108° 30.133′ W. Marker is in Billings, Montana, in Yellowstone County. It is in the South Side. It is on Minnesota Avenue near South 26th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2611 Minnesota Avenue, Billings MT 59101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Montana’s Yellowstone Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Swift and Company Building (a few steps from this marker); L and L Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Mills Durant Star Building

Price Motor Sales and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 15, 2020

2. Price Motor Sales and Marker

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Billings Implement Building (about 300 feet away); George L. Tracy Building (about 300 feet away); Actor Bill Hart Visits Montana Avenue - 1927 (about 300 feet away); Oliver Building (about 400 feet away); The ARU Railroad Strike - 1894 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Billings.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 30, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.