Anaconda in Deer Lodge County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Carpenters Union Hall

Anaconda Commercial Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2022

1. Carpenters Union Hall Marker

Inscription. Anaconda workers unionized early to promote their interests. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local 88 formed in Anaconda in 1889 with nine charter members. Its original bylaws committed the union to working “to replace the present wage system by cooperative industry.” It also authorized fining members who patronized Chinese businesses, a reflection of widespread prejudice. The Carpenters Union offered sick, funeral, and disability benefits and set and enforced wage rates, both with the Anaconda Company and with local builders. The local grew quickly—by 1904 it had seventy-four members in good standing. In 1903, it purchased this brick commercial building, constructed circa 1888. On July 1, 1905, the Carpenters invited friends to join them for a mortgage-burning, promising “just a little ceremony and a whole lot of good time,” including card playing, dancing, and “general jollification.” Other craft union locals met here—including the electrical workers, iron molders, laundry workers, machinists, clerks, waiters, and barbers—as did many ethnic fraternities. The hall suffered some fire damage in 1953, after

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an explosion in a neighboring building leveled most of the block.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Labor Unions. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1905.

Location. 46° 7.799′ N, 112° 57.036′ W. Marker is in Anaconda, Montana, in Deer Lodge County. It is on East Commercial Avenue near Cherry Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 217 East Commercial Avenue, Anaconda MT 59711, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in andspecifically outhwest Montana, in Gold West Country, in Mining 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: 219 East Commercial Avenue (within shouting distance of this

Carpenters Union Hall and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 6, 2022

2. Carpenters Union Hall and Marker

The Union Hall is on the right. The marker to the right of the entrance above the bed os the maroon pickup truck.

marker); Cohen Block/Park Motors (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); National Bank of Anaconda (about 300 feet away); St. Jean Block/Smiths Building (about 400 feet away); Parrot Block (about 400 feet away); Commercial Historic District (about 400 feet away); 119-125 East Park Avenue (about 500 feet away); Weiss Block (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anaconda.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2022, 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 September 7, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.