Livingston in Park County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Hefferlin Mercantile Company

Livingston Commercial Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 24, 2021

1. Hefferlin Mercantile Company Marker

Inscription. The look of Livingston’s Main Street can be traced to Charles S. Hefferlin, who built at least twelve stores at different times along this thoroughfare. Friendly rivalry between Hefferlin and fellow developer A. W. Miles, who vied for similar importance of Second Street, engendered a lively debate over which would be the town’s “main” street. The Hefferlin Mercantile Company opened in this building in 1888, operated by Charles’ brothers John, William, and Orlando. Hefferlin’s stocked a myriad of goods from caps and boots to furnishings and groceries. In 1903, the store advertised free gold gild chinaware with cash purchase; “Give us a call when you are wanting Groceries and get your dishes FREE.” Tall windows, ornate brickwork, and a marvelous Coca-Cola advertisement painted on the side speak to a bygone era. Six tall chimneys and an outer stairway, now removed, once served the rooming house upstairs. The second-floor doorway remains intact. Since the 1930s, the Mint Bar has operated on the ground floor corner.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these

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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 1888.

Location. 45° 39.701′ N, 110° 33.612′ W. Marker is in Livingston, Montana, in Park County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street and East Callender Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 North Main Street, Livingston MT 59047, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Yellowstone Country

and in Greater Bozeman.

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: Danforth Block (here, next to this marker); Harvat Block (here, next to this marker); 108 North Main Street (here, next to this

Hefferlin Mercantile Company Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 24, 2021

2. Hefferlin Mercantile Company Building and Marker

The marker is on the right corner.

marker); 112 North Main Street (a few steps from this marker); Frank Block (a few steps from this marker); 116 North Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mayne Store (within shouting distance of this marker); I. Orschel and Bro. (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Livingston.

Hefferlin Mercantile Company and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 24, 2021

3. Hefferlin Mercantile Company and Marker

East side of the 100 block of North Main Street. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 24, 2021

4. East side of the 100 block of North Main Street.

Note the ghost signs.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 527 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 31, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.