Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Tracy-Power Residence
Helena Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 15, 2021
1. Tracy-Power Residence Marker
Inscription.
Tracy-Power Residence. Helena Historic District. Praised for lending “an air of distinction” to “one of the handsomest residence streets in Helena,” this three-story Queen Anne style home was constructed for George and Eva Tracy. The house was completed just prior to the calamitous economic collapse known as the Panic of 1893. The large front porch, bay windows, a three-story tower, and Palladian windows in the gable ends distinguish the prominent residence, which reflects the Tracy’s financial success in the wholesale food distribution business. Widowed in 1907, Eva continued to occupy the home until 1912 when she sold it to Sarah E. Power, sister to U.S. Senator T. C. Power and major donor to Helena’s charities. In 1920, Jos. E. Bower of the Bower Brothers Sheep Company purchased the property. His wife, Leonora, another leading Helena philanthropist, remained here until her death in 1954. A year later, Thomas C. Power, grand-nephew of Senator T. C. Power and Sarah Power purchased the home, which he occupied until 2004. The home’s former residents reflect Montana’s rich Gilded Age history, and the house stands as a handsome reminder of Helena’s nineteenth-century wealth and promise.
Praised for lending “an air of distinction” to “one of the handsomest residence streets in Helena,” this three-story Queen Anne style home was constructed for George and Eva Tracy. The house was completed just prior to the calamitous economic collapse known as the Panic of 1893. The large front porch, bay windows, a three-story tower, and Palladian windows in the gable ends distinguish the prominent residence, which reflects the Tracy’s financial success in the wholesale food distribution business. Widowed in 1907, Eva continued to occupy the home until 1912 when she sold it to Sarah E. Power, sister to U.S. Senator T. C. Power and major donor to Helena’s charities. In 1920, Jos. E. Bower of the Bower Brothers Sheep Company purchased the property. His wife, Leonora, another leading Helena philanthropist, remained here until her death in 1954. A year later, Thomas C. Power, grand-nephew of Senator T. C. Power and Sarah Power purchased the home, which he occupied until 2004. The home’s former residents reflect Montana’s rich Gilded Age history, and the house stands as a handsome reminder of Helena’s nineteenth-century wealth and promise.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
Location. 46° 35.644′ N, 112° 2.752′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker is at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Gilbert Street, on the left when traveling north on Harrison Avenue. This property is located in Helena's historic Mansion District. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 702 Harrison Avenue, Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 114 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 7, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
