Montpelier in Bear Lake County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
A Strong Building, Stock Chevys and Railroad
Montpelier Historic Downtown Walking Tour
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2015
1. A Strong Building, Stock Chevys and Railroad Marker
Captions: (top left) Montpelier became the home terminal for the Union Pacific/Oregon Shoreline trains and engine crews.; (bottom right) Stock Chevrolet Company, 1950's and Tapper Chevrolet Company, present day - Chevrolet cars and trucks have been sold from this location for the past century.; (center column, top to bottom) Strong Building, circa 1905; The Strong Building, built for Lish Strong - over the years has housed a post office, restaurant, hair salon, a bar, a Chevrolet dealership, gas station, used car lot and the upper level was used for apartments.; Montpelier, circa 1950's - view looking up Washington Street.; (bottom figures) These Union Pacific uniforms are on display at the Rails and Trails Museum as part of the Union Pacific collection.; (upper right) Union Pacific/Oregon Short Line tracks on Montpelier's west side; (middle right) Montpelier train station, circa 1920; (bottom right) The Welcome Center assists the public in finding interesting things to do and see while visiting Montpelier.
This red brick building, note the brickwork circles, was built for Lish Strong by the Tueller brothers of Paris, Idaho. It became known as the Strong Building. Part of the upper level was also used for apartment. At one time, the post office was housed in the east wing of the Strong Building on the ground floor. Since that time, the east wing has been the home of restaurants, hair salons, a bar, and a leather craft store. A unique ramp on the back of the Strong Building was used to pull cars upstairs to be repaired.
The west end of this building was built by George Stock as a car dealership for Chevrolet and Oldsmobile. Originally, a UTOCO gas station occupied the corner of the block presently used as a car lot. In recent years, Tapper Motors has supplied the valley's General Motors needs.
Railroad
Beyond the downtown to the west, the railroad was an important part of the growth of Montpelier. In 1892, the railroad spurred the need of restaurants and hotels near the depot. The depot pictured was in use in 1929 and located on the south side of 11th Street and Washington. The town became the home terminal for the Union Pacific/Oregon Short Line trains, engine crews and was a subdivision until October 1972 when the terminal was moved to Pocatello. While
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Erected by Greater Bear Lake Valley Chamber of Commerce, Montpelier Gem Community Team, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, The Bear Lake County Historical Society, USDA Rural Development Agency and Utah Power. (Marker Number 8.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list.
Location. 42° 19.063′ N, 111° 18.645′ W. Marker is in Montpelier, Idaho, in Bear Lake County. Marker is on Washington Street (U.S. 89) near North 10th Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1024 Washington Street, Montpelier ID 83254, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Look at Memory Lane (within shouting distance of this marker); Cleaners, Hospital, Plumbers and a Big Bear (within shouting distance of this marker); Downtown Montpelier Historic Walking Tour (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Bank and The Burgoyne (about 400 feet away); Second Bank of Montpelier
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 11, 2015
2. The Strong Building and A Strong Builidng, Stock Chevys and Railroad Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 435 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 24, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
