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

H. Fred and Sophia Gamer Residence

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

1. H. Fred and Sophia Gamer Residence Marker

Inscription. Ornamental wooden brackets tucked under wide overhanging eaves, spacious dormers, exposed rafter tails, and a full-length front porch reflect the Craftsman style’s influence on this two-story residence. The style was initially touted as “the ideal home for the lover of the out-of-doors.” Its originators intended the large front porch to connect homeowners to their natural surroundings. Butte’s urban streetscape had almost nothing in common with the lush California suburbs where the Craftsman style got its start. But by the 1910s the style’s popularity was so widespread that it seemed a logical choice for J. Fred and Sophia “Babe” Gamer. The couple hired contractor George Wortman to build the two-story residence circa 1917. In the 1930s, the Gamers converted the residence into a duplex to accommodate Fred’s brother, Charles, and mother, Emma. Charles and Fred worked together in the family shoe business, originally founded by their father in Helena in 1868. Fred and Sophie also founded Gamer’s Confectionery, a restaurant famous for its pasties. The couple lived here until their deaths, Sophie’s in 1949 and Fred’s in 1950.

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

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

Location. 46° 0.651′ N, 112° 32.609′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is at the intersection of West Mercury Street and South Jackson Street, on the right when traveling west on West Mercury Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 503 West Mercury 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: 431 West Mercury

H. Fred and Sophia Gamer Residence and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

2. H. Fred and Sophia Gamer Residence and Marker

The marker is on the fence to the right of the steps.

(within shouting distance of this marker); 423-425 West Mercury (within shouting distance of this marker); 510 West Galena (within shouting distance of this marker); Lynch Residence (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Patrick's Catholic Church (about 500 feet away); St. Patrick's Convent (about 500 feet away); Virginia Apartments (about 500 feet away); B'nai Israel Temple (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 188 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 11, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.