Helena in Lewis and Clark County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Henry M. Parchen Residence

Helena South-Central Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. Henry M. Parchen Residence Marker

Inscription. Professor T. F. Campbell built a log cabin on this corner where he opened Helena’s first public school in 1865. Druggist Henry M. Parchen founded his long-time Helena apothecary that same year. Parchen acquired this property circa 1872 and commissioned Fred Heinlein as architect. Heinlen and his partner, Thomas Mathias, later became prominent, designing the Masonic Temple at Jackson and Broadway, as well as numerous other Helena landmarks. Then located on the very outskirts of town, the Parchen home was one of the community’s most luxurious early residences, and prominent Helenans considered this a choice neighborhood. In 1884, an outhouse and the family’s stable (now the residence next door) stood behind the house to the west. By 1888, the Parchens had updated the home with brick veneer and added a third bay on the west. Installation of the latest innovation—indoor plumbing—was likely added around this time. Despite a fire, earthquakes, and conversion to apartments, the home retains its 1870s L-shaped footprint. Half-round windows in the gables are perhaps its most charming feature.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.

Location. 46° 35.104′ N, 112° 2.138′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is on East Broadway Street near Rodney Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 327 East Broadway Stree, Helena MT 59601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically entral Montana in Gold West 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: Woodman S. Paynter House (within shouting distance of this marker); Martin M. Holter House (within shouting distance of this marker); 20 South Rodney Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 17-19 South Rodney Street

Henry M. Parchen Residence and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. Henry M. Parchen Residence and Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Holter Cottage #1 (within shouting distance of this marker); William M. Bishop House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis and Clark County Jail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Myers Residence (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 451 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 14, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.