Montana Historical and Architectural Inventory (Site #149)

Physical Description:

A two story high structure with sandstone foundation, terra cotta on the northwest and southeast end elevations, and two terra cotta window bays on the southwest elevation that flank center bays of common bond brick between. The brick parapet is highlighted by terra cotta corner accents and two intermediate accents on each street elevation and capped with a dressed stone coping. The cornice and dentils (beam-ends) are dressed stone; the frieze and entablature are plain. Pilasters and columns are terra cotta and, although the capitals are ornate with an egg and dart motif, they are lacking other classical elements or proportion. The remainder of the terra cotta end elevations or bays are faced with terra cotta blocking courses and window courses that terminate into the columns or pilasters. Upper story windows in the six brick bays on the southwest have circular heads that have low relief linear archivolts terminating in a terra cotta window coursing at the spring line of the curved arches. There is an exaggerated keystone at the curved windows that connect to a terra cotta stringcourse above that is aligned with the entablature at the end bays. Brick panels between windows are raised but do not read as pilasters. The terra cotta appointments we see today (and described above) are the result of a 1915 effort to further enhance the architectural qualities of the elevations. Prior to that work, the structure was basically brick with the same massing, fenestration, and cornice. Decorative features were limited to less elegant framing at the main entrance.

This building qualifies for register listing under Criteria C. Architectural style and use of materials is significant; it is also noteworthy that the addition of terra cotta in 1915 represents a shift to the use of imported materials along Main Street.

Classification: mixed; some Renaissance Revival influences are noted in combination with a colossal scale often present in beaux-arts examples.

Historical Significance:

This property is significant because it is associated with persons important in State and local history and it illustrates patterns of development in Lewistown.

The Bank of Fergus County, which held the honor of being the first bank in Lewistown and the oldest State bank in Montana, was organized in 1887 by T. C. Power, S. S. Hobson, and James H. Moe.

John H. Kent and C. E. Bell of Helena, were the architects for the 1904 Bank of Fergus County Building. Kent also designed the Warr Building in Lewistown and Bell designed the County Jail, several residences (including the George Wiedeman home) and he drew plans for the high school.

In 1915, the Bank of Fergus County engaged P. T. Ainge of Spokane to "take charge "of some very extensive improvements to both the interior and exterior of the bank. The new façade was designed to "carry out the Judith Theatre scheme". The adjacent theatre was built by the Bank of Fergus County in 1914.

The bank moved into the stately six-story Montana Building, directly across Main Street, in 1917.

Droughts, insect infestation and the fact that even 320 acres were not enough to sustain homesteaders, precipitated a massive homestead exodus around 1919. By 1924, all of the banks in Lewistown were closed.

The original Bank of Fergus County building was sold to Lewistown Lodge, No. 456, B.P.O.E. in 1936 and served as the Lewistown Elk Club until the early 1960’s.

Integrity:

This building has not been recently compromised other than the intrusion of some contemporary signage and the removal of some past signage. The terra cotta is the result of a remodeling effort many years ago; however, it is in context and strongly contributes to the character of Main Street. The structure occupies its original site.