The Montana Club
Oldest Private Club in the Northwest

The 1893 and 1905 Montana Club Buildings • Sixth Ave. and Fuller

The original 1893 building was tragically destroyed by arson in 1903. Harry Anderson, the 14-year-old son of beloved Montana Club bartender Julian Anderson, intentionally set the blaze that broiught the building down. The 1905 structure, still standing, was designed by noted architect Cass Gilbert. For an excellent history of the design and building of the second Montana Club, by Helena historian Patty Dean, please take this Montana History Portal link. The Montana Club is still operating, and is open to the public.

 

 

Sixth and Fuller Before the Montana Club


FROM "HISTORIC HELENA" - 1964 BY HOME BUILDING AND LOAN ASSN. - OUT OF PRINT
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY AGNES SMETHURST

The First Montana Club, circa 1893
Colorized

Interior View of the 1893 Montana Club

KENNON BAIRD COLLECTION

 

April 27, 1903
Colorized & Enhanced Image

FROM "HISTORIC HELENA" - 1964 BY HOME BUILDING AND LOAN ASSN. - OUT OF PRINT


Demolition After 1903 Fire


PHOTO BY CHARLES J. TIPTON, COURTESY OF DIANE TIPTON
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UNKNOWN PHOTOGRAPHER • COLLECTION OF KENNON BAIRD
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Confession of a Firebug
Harry L. Anderson • 1888-1917

ENHANCED 1903 NEWSPAPER PHOTO

Anderson was sent to the state reform school in Miles City, where he remained for several years. His subsequent path is somewhat unclear. He was married in Butte in 1907, and had at least one child. He died on Oct. 20, 1917 in Crookston, Minnesota. No obituary or cause of death was found. He is buried there.

The Second Montana Club, circa 1915

COURTESY OF BLAKE GARDINER

 

Montana Club and West Sixth Avenue, circa 1915

COURTESY OF SEAN LOGAN • CLICK ON IMAGE TO OPEN A LARGE VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

 

 

Invitation to "Men's Hi Jinx" Event, Dec. 4, 1948

BAIRD COLLECTION • CLICK ON IMAGE TO OPEN A LARGE VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

 

American Smelting & Refining Co. Employees at the Montana Club, April 17, 1952
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Photos by Les Jorud, Collection of Kennon Baird