Montana Historical and Architectural Inventory (Site #136)

Physical Description:

Polychromatic red and brown Flemish bond brickwork alternated in a checkerboard mosaic (reticulated) pattern enliven the second floor façade of this two story flat roof commercial building. A plain sheet metal cornice with sheet metal "beam ends" and a plain sheet metal frieze occur below the masonry parapet. The second floor wall surface is penetrated by eight rounded double hung 1/1 wood windows with cut stone arches above, and a brick rowlock cap at the extrados of the cut stone. The cut stone arches terminate in a cut stone stringcourse. A corbel table and the original sign "Mackey Building" occur between the second floor window heads and the frieze above. The first floor of the Main Street elevation has been remodeled with contemporary glass, filler panels, and aluminum band between the first and second floors. The northeast elevation has been "gunnited" and penetrations have been covered. The back of the building is rubble stone with stucco covering.

Even though this building is significant in its architectural qualities, it has been modified to some extent and does not qualify for register listing under Criteria C.

Classification: mixed; Romanesque Revival arches, Classical Revival derived cornice, and decorative brickwork derivative of Dutch masonry characterize this façade.

Historical Significance:

1911 proved to be 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 residences 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.

Integrity: The second story street façade is the only original construction visible of the exposed elevations. Nonetheless, it is architecturally strong enough to contribute to the historic character of Main Street. An interesting sidelight is that Spring Creek runs below this building and can be seen through the floor inside of the structure.