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

Hearst Free Library

West Side Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 11, 2021

1. Hearst Free Library Marker

Inscription. Phoebe Hearst, wife of wealthy California senator George Hearst, had a special relationship with Anaconda. Hearst was one of Daly’s principal investors and Mrs. Hearst took an active interest in improving Anaconda’s cultural opportunities. She asked city fathers for suggestions. Receiving no reply, Mrs. Hearst proposed a library. Citizens agreed that was what they had in mind, but had not wanted to burden her with such a costly suggestion. Mrs. Hearst was touched by their sensitivity and financed Anaconda’s first “reading room” in 1895. It was so popular that she soon funded construction of this larger facility. San Francisco architect F. S. Van Trees designed the building; local builder J. C. Twohy completed it in 1898. The grand monument features classical granite columns, a heavy copper cornice, and graceful arched windows. Fine woodwork, brass railings, chandeliers, and an impressive fireplace adorn the richly finished interior. Mrs. Hearst financed the library until 1903 when the city accepted ownership. Listed in the National Register in 1973, this landmark is now a primary element in the historic district.

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location. 46° 7.618′ N, 112° 57.209′ W. Marker is in Anaconda, Montana, in Deer Lodge County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and East 4th Street, on the left when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 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: Washoe Theater (about 300 feet away,

Hearst Free Library and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 11, 2021

2. Hearst Free Library and Marker

measured in a direct line); 504 Main Street (about 400 feet away); Judge George B. Winston Residence (about 500 feet away); Methodist Episcopal Church of Anaconda (about 600 feet away); St. Mark's Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away); Morse/Palace Block (about 700 feet away); Tuttle Residence (about 700 feet away); Furst Block (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anaconda.

Hearst Free Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 11, 2021

3. Hearst Free Library

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 11, 2021

4. Hearst Free Library

1898 - 1998
In Gratitude to
Phoebe A. Hearst
Whose gift of this library has been a 'Potent Factor' in the lives of the people of Anaconda for 100 years.

Clock Fabricator
Mike Kovacich

Artists Murals
Vera Haffey
Bob Vine
Fred Boyer
Ross Evans

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 336 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 4, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.