Montpelier in Bear Lake County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
A Strong Building, Stock Chevys and Railroad
Montpelier Historic Downtown Walking Tour
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 many Bear Lake Valley residents still work of the railroad, the community does not rely on the railroad as it once did prior to 1972.
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 (about 400 feet away); Model T's, Odd Fellows and the News (about 400 feet away); News Examiner (about 700 feet away); Ritter Bros. Drug and the Roxy Theatre (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montpelier.
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.