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

Safeway

This Property Contributes to Deer Lodge Central Business Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

1. Safeway Marker

Inscription. Before 1910, grocery store customers typically purchased food on credit. They relied on clerks to fill their orders and delivery boys to carry their packages home. By 1915, “groceterias” began experimenting with a new model that offered lower prices and wider selection to customers willing to serve themselves, pay cash, and forgo home delivery. Among the new stores was Safeway, whose name promoted the idea that paying cash was the “safe way to shop” because it kept families from going into debt. Safeway expanded rapidly, merging with several other chains in the 1920s. These included O. P. Skaggs Food Stores, which had introduced its “efficient service system” and “cash and carry” policy to Deer Lodge by 1928. Known variously as Skaggs, Skaggs-Safeway, and finally just Safeway, the chain served customers from this brick storefront into the 1940s. The long narrow building with centered recessed entry included a rear warehouse that reached to the alley. Built between 1912 and 1928, the storefront was remodeled after World War II when owners sought a sleek, modern look, characterized by aluminum framing and minimal ornamentation.

Erected by Montana

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Historical Society.

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

Location. 46° 23.852′ N, 112° 44.107′ W. Marker is in Deer Lodge, Montana, in Powell County. It is on Main Street near Milwaukee Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 505 Main Street, Deer Lodge MT 59722, 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: Masonic Lodge (a few steps from this marker); Deer Lodge Post Office

Safeway and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022

2. Safeway and Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); National Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Rialto Theatre (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mitchell Block (about 300 feet away); Larabie Brothers Bank (about 500 feet away); Thompson Photo Shop (about 500 feet away); U.S. Post Office (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deer Lodge.

Also see . . . Safeway History -- Groceteria.com. In the beginning, there were Sam Seelig and Marion Skaggs, two somewhat different grocers in very different parts of the country. (Submitted on November 4, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 246 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.