Lavina in Golden Valley County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Slayton Mercantile Co.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 17, 2021

1. Slayton Mercantile Co. Marker

Inscription. T. C. Power’s stage line established a stop in 1883 where the town of Lavina was born. In 1907, the Milwaukee Road came through attracting new businesses, among them the Slayton Mercantile Co., established in 1908 by Daniel Webster Slayton. A prominent sheep rancher, county commissioner, and later state senator, Slayton also founded a sheep shearing business and the First Bank of Lavina. The town thrived as an agricultural and economic center, but in June of 1910, Slayton’s wood-frame mercantile burned to the ground. Although the $60,000 business was insured for only one-third its value, Slayton immediately rebuilt a larger, fireproof building. F. W. Handel supplied the exterior brick and the inner layer was fired in a kiln near the Musselshell River. The present two-story mercantile, built in the classic Western commercial style, opened for business in the fall of 1910. Slayton served as postmaster and the store was central to the local community, supplying everything from mail to groceries, school supplies, and horse tack and, after 1916, Ford automobiles, farm implements, and Titan tractors. Slayton, instrumental in

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the creation of Musselshell County in 1910, was active throughout his life in politics, ranching, and business affairs. He retained interest in the mercantile until his death in 1927. Today the landmark store, still a local gathering place, is a grand example of the Western commercial style of architecture. Its pressed tin ceiling, rolling oak ladders, pot bellied stove and other original features preserve the period ambience of Montana’s homestead era.

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 Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, and the Montana National Register Sign Program series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1910.

Location. 46° 17.685′ N, 108° 56.287′ W. Marker is in Lavina, Montana, in Golden Valley County. It is on Main Street near First Avenue West, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 23 Main Street, Lavina MT 59046, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

Slayton Mercantile Co. Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 17, 2021

2. Slayton Mercantile Co. Building and Marker

The marker is in the window to the left of the entrance.

is in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

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 2 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lavina State Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); The Adams Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line).

Also see . . . Little Box Store: Old Lavina mercantile, owners hold onto the past -- Billings Gazette. "We kind of pestered the other owners and told them we'd buy it if they wanted to sell it, and they did," George says.
"She bought me a hobby, so that I'd have something to do," George continues. "I tease her that I'm the head of the historic preservation crew, which is one person, and sometimes two." (Submitted on December 27, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Slayton Mercantile Co. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 17, 2021

3. Slayton Mercantile Co.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 369 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 27, 2021, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.