Butte in Silver Bow County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

125-134 South Main

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

1. 125-134 South Main Marker

Inscription. When this five-storefront corner business was built between 1918 and 1923 for Montana Leather Company owner MacPherson, it stood on the very fringe of respectability. The “female boarding house” that was then immediately next door on Mercury Street was the first in a series of like establishments literally lining the block. Legitimate businesses occupied these commercial spaces, but turnover was frequent and they were also vacant much of the time. During the 1920s and early 1930s at the height of the neighborhood’s red light activity, tenant businesses included Peter Ike’s fruit store, Theo Foley’s Midway Cigar Store, and the Rainbow Cafe run by Irene Cartulis. The building’s fine design, attributed to architect Herman Kemna, features a stepped parapet on the Main Street façade and gray stone trim against tan brick. It must have appeared strikingly modern compared to its older and infamous Mercury Street neighbors. The building remained in the MacPherson family until the early 1990s.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture

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• Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 0.686′ N, 112° 32.114′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is on South Main Street near East Mercury Street when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 125-134 South 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: Push Saloon / Silver Dollar Saloon (a few steps from this marker); Wah Chong Tai Company Building and Mai Wah Noodle Parlors (within shouting distance of this marker); Pekin Noodle Parlor

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

2. 125-134 South Main Marker

The marker is to the right of the left-most business.

(within shouting distance of this marker); Butte Daily Post Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Butte Tin Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Pleasant Alley and the Copper Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pleasant Alley (about 300 feet away); Dumas Hotel (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.