Butte in Silver Bow County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
123 North Main Street
Butte National Historic Landmark District
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 12, 2021
1. 123 North Main Street Marker
Inscription.
123 North Main Street. Butte National Historic Landmark District. Cast-iron pilasters, a metal cornice, interior hardwood paneling and a pressed metal ceiling are reminders of the varied remodelings of this early commercial building, constructed before 1884. In 1895, architect H. M. Patterson remodeled the building for $5,000, adding a cast-iron storefront. By 1910, Clerke’s Clothing Store occupied both this building and the one next door. Store president Samuel Clerke installed the metal cornice joining the two buildings. During the 1930s at this address Butte’s immensely popular Spokane Cafe served a sizeable clientele. The building’s most significant use, however, occurred in 1905. During that year the Woman’s Protective Union (W.P.U.), predecessor of today’s Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union and the nation’s first union for women, met upstairs. This pivotal organization was founded in Butte in 1893 so that women would not “…be behind their brothers in demanding their rights.”
Cast-iron pilasters, a metal cornice, interior hardwood paneling and a pressed metal ceiling are reminders of the varied remodelings of this early commercial building, constructed before 1884. In 1895, architect H. M. Patterson remodeled the building for $5,000, adding a cast-iron storefront. By 1910, Clerke’s Clothing Store occupied both this building and the one next door. Store president Samuel Clerke installed the metal cornice joining the two buildings. During the 1930s at this address Butte’s immensely popular Spokane Cafe served a sizeable clientele. The building’s most significant use, however, occurred in 1905. During that year the Woman’s Protective Union (W.P.U.), predecessor of today’s Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union and the nation’s first union for women, met upstairs. This pivotal organization was founded in Butte in 1893 so that women would not “…be behind their brothers in demanding their rights.”
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Labor Unions • Women. In addition, it is
Location. 46° 0.853′ N, 112° 32.159′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is on North Main Street near West Granite Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 123 North Main Street, Butte MT 59701, 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: Len Waters Music (a few steps from this marker); 125 North Main (a few steps from this marker); First National Bank, Butte (within shouting distance of this marker); Hirbour Block (within shouting distance of this marker);
3. The Westside of North Main Street between Broadway and Granite Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 305 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 18, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on November 9, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
