Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Martin M. Holter House
Helena South-Central Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021
1. Martin M. Holter House Marker
Inscription.
Martin M. Holter House. Helena South-Central Historic District. The flamboyant Second Empire style is exceptionally well articulated in this grand residence, showcasing the considerable talent of its builder and original owner, Martin M. Holter. One of only a few well-preserved examples of this style in Montana, the beautifully restored residence offers a glimpse into the 1870s, when the style enjoyed short-term popularity and Rodney Street was the town’s most fashionable neighborhood. Holter and his brother, Anton, were Norwegian immigrants who established Helena’s first sawmill in 1865. By 1867, the successful brothers operated several Helena businesses including a distillery and grocery. Martin built this magnificent home in the late 1870s. The distinctive central tower, mansard roof with elaborately capped dormers, and ornately decorated eaves are characteristics of the style. The arched, multi-paned Venetian windows lighting the beautiful, very tall double entry doors open to an interior that continues the outer grandeur. Original hand-grained wood finishes, extraordinarily high ceilings, a wide upstairs central hall, and an elegant curved stairway contribute to an overall impression of great space and luxury.
The flamboyant Second Empire style is exceptionally well articulated in this grand residence, showcasing the considerable talent of its builder and original owner, Martin M. Holter. One of only a few well-preserved examples of this style in Montana, the beautifully restored residence offers a glimpse into the 1870s, when the style enjoyed short-term popularity and Rodney Street was the town’s most fashionable neighborhood. Holter and his brother, Anton, were Norwegian immigrants who established Helena’s first sawmill in 1865. By 1867, the successful brothers operated several Helena businesses including a distillery and grocery. Martin built this magnificent home in the late 1870s. The distinctive central tower, mansard roof with elaborately capped dormers, and ornately decorated eaves are characteristics of the style. The arched, multi-paned Venetian windows lighting the beautiful, very tall double entry doors open to an interior that continues the outer grandeur. Original hand-grained wood finishes, extraordinarily high ceilings, a wide upstairs central hall, and an elegant curved stairway contribute to an overall impression of great space and luxury.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
Location. 46° 35.08′ N, 112° 2.127′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker is on South Rodney Street near East Broadway Street when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 South Rodney Street, Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 225 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on December 13, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
