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 Branscombe Automobile Machine Shop - Anaconda, MT Posted by:  T0SHEA
N 46° 07.833 W 112° 57.230
12T E 349067 N 5110408
Also known as Brewery Antiques & Western Montana Fur Center, Brewery Antiques remains in the front, while the Western Montana Fur Center is in the rear of the building.
Waymark Code: WMMMK8
Location: Montana, United States
Date Posted: 10/09/2014
Views: 1
This was the second auto repair shop built by Charles Branscombe in 1916, the first having been opened in about 1910 directly south of this one. The building was designed by the architectural firm of Clifton, Applegate & Toole. Though we don't know how long Branscombe remained in business, we do know that shortly after he opened this shop, the competition increased dramatically. At the same time, though, increase in automobile ownership increased apace, providing plenty of business for everyone.
By the summer of 1904, automobiles were a common sight in Anaconda, although only a handful of wealthy residents could afford to purchase one. Nearly seventy automobiles were reported to be on the streets by 1910, and Charles Branscombe, a local bicycle repairman, opened the town's first automobile garage and novelty works on the northeast corner of Hickory Street and West Park Avenue. Not long after, George H. Merhoff opened an automobile repair shop and gasoline station on the site of the original Auditorium Theater at 227 East Commercial...
...Charles Branscombe also upgraded his garage and shop in 1916, constructing a building and garage at 109 Hickory Street (now addressed as 125 West Commercial Avenue), behind his original dealership.
From the National Register Multiple Property Form, Page 15
Street address:
125 West Commercial
Anaconda, MT USA
59711
County / Borough / Parish: Deer Lodge County
Year listed: 2000
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture, Transportation
Periods of significance: 1950-1974, 1925-1949, 1900-1924
Historic function: Commerce/Trade, Domestic
Current function: Commerce/Trade, Domestic
Privately owned?: yes
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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