Virginia City in Madison County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Blue Front Variety Store
This property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 5, 2022
1. Blue Front Variety Store Marker
Inscription.
Blue Front Variety Store. This property Contributes to the Virginia City Historic District. Like the Picture Gallery, the Elling Store, and several others, this 1946 building and its neighbor to the left are a faithful reconstruction of the originals. The Elephant Auction House occupied these storefronts from summer 1863 until October 1864. By November 1866, William (Judge) Douglas had painted the storefront a deep azure blue and opened the Blue Front Novelty Store. Douglas leased stalls to various small businesses that offered everything from books and magazines to stationery, toys, produce, footwear, and cigarettes. The sword-wielding man painted on the façade advertised the store’s Turkish tobacco products. William Buttermore bought the store in 1879. He ran it with few changes until his death in 1911. At the time, it was one of Virginia City’s longest-lived businesses. Despite its status as a beloved institution in town, the Blue Front was torn down, most likely in winter 1919. A nationwide coal miners’ strike and ensuing coal shortage hit Virginia City hard, forcing freezing residents to tear down and salvage numerous abandoned buildings for firewood. After reconstruction, the building served as a penny arcade for nearly 40 years.
Like the Picture Gallery, the Elling Store, and several others, this 1946 building and its neighbor to the left are a faithful reconstruction of the originals. The Elephant Auction House occupied these storefronts from summer 1863 until October 1864. By November 1866, William (Judge) Douglas had painted the storefront a deep azure blue and opened the Blue Front Novelty Store. Douglas leased stalls to various small businesses that offered everything from books and magazines to stationery, toys, produce, footwear, and cigarettes. The sword-wielding man painted on the façade advertised the store’s Turkish tobacco products. William Buttermore bought the store in 1879. He ran it with few changes until his death in 1911. At the time, it was one of Virginia City’s longest-lived businesses. Despite its status as a beloved institution in town, the Blue Front was torn down, most likely in winter 1919. A nationwide coal miners’ strike and ensuing coal shortage hit Virginia City hard, forcing freezing residents to tear down and salvage numerous abandoned buildings for firewood. After reconstruction, the building served as a penny arcade for nearly 40 years.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications
Location. 45° 17.588′ N, 111° 56.823′ W. Marker is in Virginia City, Montana, in Madison County. Marker is on Wallace Street near Jackson Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 306 West Wallace Street, Virginia City MT 59755, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on October 27, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
