Anaconda in Deer Lodge County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Electric Light Building

Anaconda Commercial Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 11, 2021

1. Electric Light Building Marker

Inscription. A heavy metal cornice, cast iron columns, and a metal frieze still embellish this building, constructed in 1895. Two cast-iron oriel windows once also graced the upper story. The Anaconda Company’s foundry produced the decorative metal front, a prime example of the many iron fronts that once ornamented Anaconda’s business blocks. The building, constructed by Conrad Kohrs, W. H. Gehrman, and J. M. Boardman—apparently with Anaconda founder Marcus Daly’s backing—housed the Montana Butchering Company. Beef sold here in the early years likely came from Daly’s Bitterroot Stock Farm and Kohrs’ Deer Lodge ranch. Though the building and business changed hands, a butcher shop remained a prominent fixture on this corner until 1910. That year the Anaconda Company purchased the building for its Electric Light and Railway Department, Water Department, pay office, and medical offices. To promote the use of electricity and advertise its role in power production, the Company illuminated the façade with a row of light bulbs, the sockets for which are still visible along the roofline.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series.

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

Location. 46° 7.807′ N, 112° 57.149′ W. Marker is in Anaconda, Montana, in Deer Lodge County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and West Commercial Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Main Street, Anaconda MT 59711, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically outhwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining Country. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

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: Lee Pleasant Driver's Saloon and Club Rooms (within shouting distance

Electric Light Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 11, 2021

2. Electric Light Building and Marker

The marker is to the left of the corner entrance.

of this marker); Ida Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Pay Office Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Marcus Daly & Company Bank Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Weiss Block (about 300 feet away); Furst Block (about 400 feet away); 119-125 East Park Avenue (about 400 feet away); Carpenters Union Hall (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anaconda.

Electric Light Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 11, 2021

3. Electric Light Building

Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 278 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 3, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.