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

301 North Crystal

Butte National Historic Landmark District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

1. 301 North Crystal Marker

Inscription. Interesting window placement is a hallmark of prominent Butte architect Charles M. Prentice and his own modified Italianate style residence, built circa 1898, provides an eye-catching example. Prentice alternated panels of full and half windows, richly ornamenting many of them with beveled, stained, and etched glass to form an unusual pattern on the façade. A low pitched roofline with paired decorative brackets beneath the eaves complements the home’s unusual polygonal footprint. One of Butte’s prominent early architects, Prentice worked on his own and for the M. J. Connell and Western Lumber companies. He left his distinctive mark on a number of apartment buildings and homes in Butte. The Prentice family briefly left Montana for California in 1899, but they returned by 1900, and Charles, his wife Celia, daughter Lula, and son George were at home here until at least 1906. The Frank Panisko family later owned the home from 1950 to 2003. Locals refer to it as the Clown House, recalling Panisko’s career as a professional circus clown with the Ringling Brothers’ Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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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° 0.899′ N, 112° 32.662′ W. Marker is in Butte, Montana, in Silver Bow County. It is on North Crystal Street near West Quartz Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 North Crystal 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: 633 West Quartz (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chope

301 North Crystal and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 13, 2021

2. 301 North Crystal and Marker

AKA the Clown House

Residence (about 400 feet away); Mueller Apartments (about 400 feet away); 414 West Granite (about 400 feet away); 410 W. Granite (about 500 feet away); John Benton Leggat Residence (about 600 feet away); Eugene Carroll House (about 700 feet away); Harry D'Acheul Residence (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butte.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 215 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 12, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.