Montana Historical and Architectural Inventory (Site # 186)

Address:	603 W. Main Street
Ownership Name:	Creel Funeral Home
Historic Name:	Fitzpatrick Block
Common Name:	Creel Funeral Home
Date of Construction:	1913
Architect:	Link & Haire
Builder:	Frank Pierce
Original Owner:	J. B. Fitzpatrick
Original Use:	Furniture/Funeral
Present Use:	Funeral Home

Physical Description:

A low profile one-story slightly sloped shed roof detached commercial structure that is predominately cut stone with a storefront height section of brick superimposed over the front elevation and returning a short distance along the northeast sidewall at the north corner. A substantial cut stone "fascia" or parapet extends above this brick front. The common bond brick section of facing is penetrated by two round arched entrances (symmetrically arranged) that have leaded bevel edge fanlights in arched transoms, and numerous round arched windows filled with glass block. A double rowlock of brick circumscribes the arches; a brick rowlock forms the windowsill. Low narrow planters extend along the façade between the ends of the building and doorways respectively. The stone sidewalls are cut stone with a stepped parapet to the northeast and rubble stone with sloped parapet to the southwest. Overhead doors occur in the back of the building and four small rectangular openings in the northeast wall have been filled in. The foundation is concrete that has been jointed to look like stone.

Historical Significance:

This property is significant because it is associated with persons important in State and local history and is a visible sign of stability and growth of Lewistown in 1913. During this year, 100 homes and at least 12 large commercial structures were built.

The Fitzpatrick Block wad designed by J. G. Link and C. S. Haire, who maintained an office in Lewistown in the Bank of Fergus Co. Building. The new stone building housed the Creel Funeral Home and the Lewistown Furniture Company.

George R. Creel, "funeral director, licensed embalmer", and county coroner, was also proprietor of the Lewistown Marble and Granite Works in the new block.

George M. Stone, who was also vice president of the First National Bank, was president of Lewistown Furniture Company and G. R. Marsh was vice-president and manager.

Integrity:

Original construction except for the strongly state brick area that has been added to the front elevation. This building in on the original site. The combination of brick and stone make this building a contributor to the survey area. This is the last all-stone building to be constructed with the survey area.