Mackey Building (Montana Tavern) - Lewistown, MT - Montana Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

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Mackey Building (Montana Tavern) - Lewistown, MT

in Montana Historical Markers

Posted by:  T0SHEA

12T E 619590 N 5213711

Though ei encountered a few bumps in the road, including delays in delivery of materials, the Mackey Building finally became whole in November of 1911.

Built in 1911 by Thomas H. Mackey, what later became known as the Montana Tavern was built on a creek. Not beside a creek, but right over Spring Creek. There is still a viewing hole in the tavern's floor through which one may watch the creek flow by under their feet.

Originally housing a billiard parlor and a saloon on the ground floor, with the Mackey Rooming House upstairs, in 1914 the "Hub Clothing" store moved into 202½, moved out in 1916 and moved in again in 1918, this time replacing the "Blue Goose Saloon" when it was forced out of business by prohibition.

Thomas Mackey seems to have had a bit of a bumpy beginning with this building, with a lawsuit and a work stoppage ordered before construction got beyond the foundation. Since they could be a bit enlightening, I've included a few news snippets further below. It was finally reported on November 11th that the building was nearly complete and tenants would be moving in shortly.

Mackey Building

1911 proved to h > a busy year in Lewistown, a year in which trades, enterprises and professions prospered. Nearly half a million dollars was invested in building, including 80 residence's and numerous commercial and public buildings. The Mackey building, which cost $20,000 was included in this number. Thomas H. Mackey had his new business block constructed directly over Spring Creek on the corner of Main Street and Second Avenue. "George and Bob's Place" provided drinks and billiards on the ground floor, while Mrs. Pearl Bloom managed the Mackey Rooms on the second floor. In 1914 Joseph Alweis leased a portion of the building for his Hub Clothing Store. Mr. Alweis came to Lewistown in 1912 to establish his retail business. He became widely known as "Just Pay the Freight" Joe because of his willingness to carry the accounts of struggling homesteaders. The Alweis family remained in the clothing business in Lewistown until 1979.
From the NRHP Nomination Form, Site# 136

MACKEY BUILDING
(Montana Tavern)
Constructed during the 1911 half-million-dollar Lewistown building boom, the $20,000 Mackey Building sits directly over Big Spring Creek. A blend of Romanesque and Classical Revival styles, the structure maintains much of its original façade, including the original Mackey Building sign in the colorful exterior checkerboard masonry work. Mrs. Pearl Bloom accommodated borders in the Mackey Rooming House on the second floor until 1922 when it became the Spokane Hotel. Along with a clean room, guests could enjoy a game of billiards and a cold drink at the Rialto Pool Hall. The Blue Goose Saloon operated here in conjunction with the Rialto until 1916. Prohibition forced the Blue Goose’s closure in 1918. Joseph Alweis ran the Hub Clothing out of 202 ½ West Main from 1914 to 1916, and again from 1918 to 1941. The Montana Tavern opened after Prohibition. Patrons can still view Spring Creek through an opening in the floor.
From the NRHP plaque at the building

Building Permits Granted

Fergus County Democrat | April 25, 1911, Page 1

O. F. Wasmansdorff presented the plans for the new Mackey building to be constructed of native stone and brick just across the street from the proposed Brooks building. The Mackey building will extend all the way across the creek and will be a handsome structure. This permit was also granted.
From the Fergus County Democrat

Contract for Mackey Building.
Fergus County Democrat | May 16, 1911, Page 1

T. H. Mackey this morning let the contract for the erection of a fine, modern, two-story business block on his property on Main street, near Second avenue, to Frank Pierce. Work is to start immediately. The building will be of steel construction, with a frontage of fifty feet on Main street by ninety feet deep. The ground floors will be devoted to store purposes, while the upper floor will be cut up into offices. The building is to be completed and ready for occupancy this year. It will be a very decided improvement to the business district.
From the Fergus County Democrat

BREACH OF CONTRACT

Thomas G. Heldahl Brings Suit Against T. H. Mackey to Recover Five Thousand Dollars Damages
Alleged Breach of Contract
Fergus County Democrat | June 06, 1911, Page 1

Thomas G. Heldahl and others have brought suit in the district court against Thomas H. Mackey, alleging that on May 13 they entered into a contract with the defendant to erect the Mackey building on Main street, the price agreed upon being $19,800; that on May 15 they notified the defendant that they were ready to go ahead with the work, but that Mr. Mackey refused to allow them to do so and has given the contract to other parties. Damages in the sum of $5,000 are asked. DeKalb & Mettler and E. G. Worden are the plaintiffs' attorneys.
From the Fergus County Democrat

WORK STOPPED ON BUILDING
CITY ENGINEER SAYS MACKEY FOUNDATION IS NOT ACCORDING TO PERMIT
Stop Work on Mackey Building.
Fergus County Democrat | July 11, 1911, Page 1

City Engineer McClean reported that the new Mackey building foundations were not being constructed in conformity with the plans upon which the permit was issued by the city and recommended that the work be stopped until such time as the council could further investigate the matter.

[On October 3rd it was reported that:
The building committee reported that an examination of the Mackey building had been made and that it was going up according to the specifications upon which the permit was granted, as nearly as could be ascertained. A recommendation that the work be allowed to continue was adopted.]
From the Fergus County Democrat