The Bank of Fergus County built this Renaissance Revival/Beaux Arts inspired bank in 1904. It is no coincidence that it closely resembles the adjacent Judith Theatre in style. The bank built the theatre in 1914 and was so enamoured with the result that, when the bank building was remodeled in 1915 it chose to emulate the Renaissance Revival/Beaux Arts façade of the theatre.
While John H. Kent & C. E. Bell were chosen as the architects for the original 1904 building, much of what one sees today was the work of P. T. Ainge of Spokane, the result of the 1915 remodeling. Prior to 1915 the building was much more staid and conservative in appearance, lacking the large fluted pilasters with decorated capitals. Especially changed is the Greek Revival portico of the main entrance, with huge modillions across its bottom chord and the pair of ornately decorated brackets. The portico was designed to complement the widely overhanging cornice with similarly large modillions. In the space below the cornice the date of the original building, 1904, remains on display.
This building ceased to be used as a bank just two years after its remodeling and the Bank of Fergus County itself, them ensconced in the Montana Building across the street, was soon felled by drought and grasshoppers. Beginning in the early 1920s drought and insect infestations began a reversal of the influx of homesteaders to the area, the exodus precipitating the failure of all the banks in Lewistown and many of the businesses, all of which had relied heavily on the farming community for their business.
During construction of the new building the following article appeared on the front page of the December 28, 1904, Evening edition of the Fergus County Argus.
NEW BANK OF FERGUS COUNTY BUILDING
Fergus County Argus | December 28, 1904, Evening
The new building for the bank of Fergus county is one of the handsomest structures in the city and will be, when completed, the best bank building In the state of Montana. It is a two-story structure of cut stone and pressed brick and the finish, both of the exterior and interior. Is beautiful. On the main floor will be located the bank proper and this will occupy the entire floor. The fittings are of the best obtainable and the finishing will all be done in mahogany.
There will be in addition to the space set aside for banking purposes, private offices for the president, cashier and assistant cashier. A large vault has been put in on the main floor and a safety deposit vault for the use of the customers of the bank. Another vault occupies a portion of the basement and this will be used for storing old papers and records of the bank. The remaining portion of the basement will be fitted up for use as a barber slhop and will be occupied by Albert Johnson. It will be a complete shop in every particular.
The second floor of the building is arranged In suites of office rooms and they are perfect for that purpose. The finish of the floor is in tamarack and the rooms present a beautiful and artistle appearance. The cost of erectIng this structure was in the neighborhood of $40,000. The contract was given to the Congress Construction company of Chicago.
From the Fergus County Argus