Montana Historical and Architectural Inventory (Site # 073)

Physical Description:

This grand cut stone "four square" two story detached residence has a truncated pyramid roof. The flat apex of the pyramid has a wide copper edge and roofing. This flat area is pierced by a chimney. The four downslopes of the pyramid-hipped roof contain short hipped dormers with wide flared eaves. A single projecting element to the southwest violates the perfect square plan; it houses solaria for the two floors and has a small-hipped roof that joins the larger pyramidal roof at the eave line. The edge of the main roof is also flared or slightly "bell cast". A full width hipped shed covers the front entrance porch which is balconied and open. The wood shingle roof is edged with narrow molded fascia and a boxed bead joint board soffit. All walls, the porch railing, and porch columns are local cut sandstone. The solaria had 12-lite "french" windows; all other windows are wood double hung 1/1 with CIP concrete lintels and projected sandstone sills. The dormers also have exposed rafter tails that follow the flare noted above. Awning windows and wood shingle sidewalls are used at the dormers. A single chimney extends from the center of the house. The porch roof is supported by a beam structure above the columns that is covered by a wide trim board with decorative surface molding at the top and bottom of the trim. The foundation is sandstone. A delightful hipped roof garage with narrow wood siding and custom wood doors is located to the southwest of this residence. A curved drive allows access to the garage.

This residence qualifies for register listing under Criteria C. Architectural style, construction materials and methodology, and siting and massing all contribute to the significance of this very positive statement in the Courthouse area.

Classification: (Grand) American Four Square

Historical Significance:

This residence meets criteria A and B in the evaluation material for National Register eligibility. It is significant because it illustrates patterns of development and is associated with persons important in local history.

It was built for Isaac M. Hobensack, Vice President and manager of the Judith hardware Co., which was organized in 1900 with David Hilger, president.

In 1902, Hobensack purchased two lots from Hilger (next to the Hilger residence) and T. J. Tubb, the contractor who built the Carnegie Library, began construction on the 2-½ story stone residence, which was completed in 1905. The house is a showpiece in the Courthouse area and a good example of stone construction common in Lewistown in the opening years of the 20^th Century.

It became the residence of William H. Fergus (brother of Mrs. David Hilger) in 1910. Fergus was Vice President of the Western Lumber & Grain Co., of which David Hilger was President. William Fergus died March 18, 1916, at age 48.

The homed remained in the Amelia Fergus Williams family until 1978, when it was purchased and restored by Dean Olson.

It remains a symbol of the stone masonry building tradition that characterizes the early structure of Lewistown.

Integrity:

This structure is original construction on its original site. The all-stone construction by local craftmens is noteworthy, including two special carved scuppers in the porch for drainage.