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

203 North Rodney Street

Helena Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

1. 203 North Rodney Street Marker

Inscription. An early one-story wooden dwelling stood here by 1884, replaced by 1888 with a two-story brick residence, set slightly back from the street. The home soon found itself ensconced in a busy commercial district. Neighbors included saloons, grocery stores, and the Iowa House Hotel (since demolished), where renowned Métis revolutionary Louis Riel stayed during a brief visit to Helena in 1882. Just south, on the corner lot, was T. L. Matthews’ East Side Meat Market, which advertised “Poultry, fish, and oysters. Game in season. Salt and fresh meats.” In approximately 1895, Matthews purchased the brick residence and transformed it into a business block by adding a new façade flush with the street. The remodeled first floor featured large plate-glass windows, facilitating display of the market’s wares. The second story became apartments. The elaborate sheet metal cornice perched along the roofline reflects the flamboyant architectural tastes of the 1890s. By the 1930s, when the Helena earthquakes hit, the meat market had become the Cash Grocery. Earthquake damage likely explains the owner’s decision to stucco over the original brick

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in 1939.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.

Location. 46° 35.189′ N, 112° 2.042′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. It is at the intersection of North Rodney Street and 5th Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Rodney Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 203 North Rodney Street, 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:

203 North Rodney Street Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 16, 2021

2. 203 North Rodney Street Building and Marker

Rodney Street News (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor Leslie House (within shouting distance of this marker); Baldwin / Grady House (within shouting distance of this marker); LaReau House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fifth Avenue Apartment House (within shouting distance of this marker); Ward House (within shouting distance of this marker); Weinstein Grocery Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rodney Hotel (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helena.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 312 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 16, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.