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.
203 North Rodney Street. Helena Historic District. 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 in 1939.
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 in 1939.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
Location. 46° 35.189′ N, 112° 2.042′ W. Marker is in Helena, Montana, in Lewis and Clark County. Marker 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.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 16, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
