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

Weiss Block

Anaconda Commercial Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 11, 2021

1. Weiss Block Marker

Inscription. In October 1900, German tailors William Weiss and John Zilinsky invested in this commercial building. They paid an exorbitant $9,500 for three lots behind Marcus Daly’s bank, where they constructed the first story of this two-story building. Early tenants, the Great Northern Express Co. (parcel delivery) and A. J. Cummings Grain and Stock Exchange, served Anaconda’s well-to-do families. By 1915, Weiss added an upscale second-story boardinghouse. Narrow brick piers and a stepped parapet accentuate the building’s height, while blocks and horizontal bands of cast stone add interest to the second-floor windows. Throughout the 1900s, various businesses—from insurance agents and jewelers to tailors and confectioners—occupied the first-story stores. Upstairs, a constant flow of single men, newlyweds, and widows lived in the boardinghouse rooms, sometimes with surprising results. In May 1919, managers Ambrose and Katherine Powers found an abandoned infant girl in one of the rooms, left by short-term guests registered as Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The Smiths never returned for the baby, and the Powers adopted her as their own.

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Historical Society.

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

Location. 46° 7.756′ N, 112° 57.127′ W. Marker is in Anaconda, Montana, in Deer Lodge County. It is on East Park Avenue (State Highway 1) near Oak Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 112 East Park Avenue, 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: Furst Block (a few steps from this marker);

Weiss Block and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 11, 2021

2. Weiss Block and Marker

119-125 East Park Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Marcus Daly & Company Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Pay Office Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Morse/Palace Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Electric Light Building (about 300 feet away); St. Jean Block/Smiths Building (about 300 feet away); Parrot Block (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anaconda.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 11, 2021

3. Weiss Block

Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 11, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.