Mapleton Township in West Fargo in Cass County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Brass Rail Saloon and Hotel

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025

1. Brass Rail Saloon and Hotel Marker

Inscription. Elbert Heale "Jappe" Trenaman, born in Canada in 1874, came to Page, North Dakota with his mother in the 1880s. He and an associate named Shinn opened the Brass Rail, a spot that residents remembered as one of the best-known places for meals.

The structure was first completed in 1899 with a peaked roof and smaller storage room attached. This small storage room became a kitchen in 1902, and Elbert had the building's sides lifted in 1906 to create a two-story structure with a flat roof. The Brass Rail stood close to the railroad tracks and workers passing through during construction jobs often paid for upstairs lodging. Trenaman had the building raised another three feet in 1913 to create storage room in the basement underneath. Harvest hand Wilbur C. Nealon and his wife, Celia, bought Trenaman's Brass Rail in 1944 and ran it as the Brass Rail Tavern. The building later served as a Community Museum from 1968 until 1971 when it was donated to Bonanzaville.

(Caption)
Brass Rail Saloon Interior, ca. 1915

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 46° 52.531′ N,

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96° 55.732′ W. Marker is in West Fargo, North Dakota, in Cass County. It is in Mapleton Township. It can be reached from Main Avenue West (U.S. 10) east of 21st Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east. The marker is in front of the steps on the right leading to the entrance of Brass Rail Saloon, which is part of Bonanzaville USA Historic Museum and Pioneer Village. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1351 Main Avenue W, West Fargo ND 58078, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Red River Valley

and in Greater Fargo Area.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

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: Cass-Clay Creamery (a few steps from this marker); Bjerklie Drugstore (a few steps from this marker); Cook Car (within shouting distance

Brass Rail Saloon and Hotel. Marker is at the steps on the right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025

2. Brass Rail Saloon and Hotel. Marker is at the steps on the right

of this marker); Pioneer Fire Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Moum Ag Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Martinson Cabin (about 300 feet away); Harness Shop (about 300 feet away); Trangsrud House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Fargo.

Brass Rail Saloon interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025

3. Brass Rail Saloon interior

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 142 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 17, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.