Red Lodge in Carbon County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

612 North Hauser Avenue

Red Lodge Hi Bug Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 22, 2021

1. 612 North Hauser Avenue Marker

Inscription. The manager of the Red Lodge Brewery, Paul Lehrkind, purchased this lot in 1920, likely with the intent of building a home. However, despite efforts to survive Prohibition by manufacturing the “near beer” Bud-O (“Always on Top”), Lehrkind was forced to close the brewery in 1921. He left Red Lodge soon after, selling the property to Walter Helm, a butter-maker at (and later owner of) the Carbon County Creamery. Borrowing $1,500 from the Carbon Building and Loan Association, Walter and his wife Margaret constructed this one-and-one-half-story Craftsman bungalow. The residence is one of the best executed examples of the Craftsman style in Red Lodge. Its careful detailing includes vertical stick work in the main gable, wide overhanging eaves, exposed rafter tails, and angled knee braces. “Battered” square columns support the large, inviting front porch. Craftsman style design emphasized “coziness, comfort, function, and economy” and embraced the idea that “beauty does not imply elaboration.” The results were highly livable homes like this one, which remained in the Helm family until 1971.

Erected by Montana Historical

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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 45° 11.596′ N, 109° 14.902′ W. Marker is in Red Lodge, Montana, in Carbon County. It is on Hauser Avenue North near 5th Street West, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 612 Hauser Avenue North, Red Lodge MT 59068, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Yellowstone Country

and in Greater Billings.

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: McDowell House (a few steps from this marker); Robbins/Wiggenhorn House (within shouting distance of this marker);

The House at 612 North Hauser Avenue and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 22, 2021

2. The House at 612 North Hauser Avenue and Marker

Flager House (within shouting distance of this marker); Roysdon House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pierson House (about 400 feet away); Talmage House (about 400 feet away); Chapman House (about 400 feet away); McDonald House (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Red Lodge.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 243 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 15, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.