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288 DAYSSan Francisco · 1915 ⌕
Gazetteer › States & Nations
State building · States & Nations

Montana Building

A two-story building with extended wings and a broad veranda on the Marina, its roomy interior like a prosperous Western ranch house, thought by many the most homelike of the State buildings.

Photo postcard 'State of Montana P.P.I.E. 1915'
Photo postcard 'State of Montana P.P.I.E. 1915'Unknown publisher, 1915, public domain · Restored

Montana's building, by C. C. Nuese, looked like the headquarters of a big agricultural estate. It was two stories, about 50 by 100 feet, with a gallery and a broad veranda between extended wings. Inside it felt like a Western ranch house, with pictures of Montana scenery and a reading table carrying nearly every paper in the state. The Official Guide calls the style Graeco-Roman. At its dedication on March 31, 1915, the Blackfeet chiefs Two Guns White Calf, Many Tail Feathers and Eagle Calf took part.

Many visitors, Todd writes, thought it "the most homelike of all the State buildings." Its commission was chaired by David Hilger, with Frank A. Hazelbaker as directing commissioner. Montana Apple Day was celebrated on November 20.

At a glance

  • About 50 by 100 feet, two stories.
  • About $62,000 in all ($50,000 from the Legislature plus $12,000 raised privately).
  • Dedicated March 31, 1915.

Afterward

Not recorded; presumably auctioned and wrecked.

Where it stood

The Montana Building stood at about 37.80521 N, 122.45498 W on today's map. The whole fairground over the city →

Sources