Montana Historical and Architectural Inventory (Site #)

Address:	316 N. 3rd Avenue
Ownership Name:	Jeanne Waite
Historic Name:	Waite Residence
Common Name:
Date of Construction:	1909
Architect:	Harry W. Jones, Minneapolis, MN
Builder:
Original Owner:	Martha Waite
Original Use:	Residence
Present Use:	Apartments

Physical Description:

This strongly designed 2-½ story residence occupies a maturely landscaped and generous corner lot in the boulevard area of Lewistown. The basic massing of the house is a formal T-shaped element with medium to steep slope gable roof over. The south corner of the house has a subservient smaller gable projection that is additionally complicated by lesser-attached shed elements as shown on the plane above. Of special interest is the rake detail which features a substantial pent eave that projects beyond the upper rake (which is flush with the gable end walls) to create an exaggerated Dutch hip effect that adds to the strength of the roof design. The roof covering is wood shingles, the fascia is a narrow flat board supported by exposed rafter tails at overhanging elements and is nearly flush with the wall in gable ends. The soffit is typically dressed lumber and has bead-joint boards above the overhang at the front entry. Wall finish at upper stories is wood shingle trimmed with brick mold shaped casing at openings; the first floor is random coursed cut stone. The projecting temple-form gable to the northeast (stem of the "T" in plan) is supported by colossal scale oak Doris columns; the entry is regressed below the projection. Windows are nicely composed in the wall plane and are typically wood double-hung 1/1 or fixed; lead glass has been used on selected first floor windows. The substructure for this residence is concrete. A matching detached stone garage with chauffeur’s quarters above occupies the west corner of the lot.

This residence qualifies for register listing under Criteria C. Beautifully proportioned with a formal massing, this residence nicely blends shingle style elements with native stone materials and is unique in that respect within the study area. The pent eave treatment is also unique and noteworthy.

Historical Significance:

This property is significant because of its association with John D. Waite and with events that illustrate development in Lewistown and in the State of Montana.

Tom Stout writes of the Hon. John D. Waite in "Montana"; "The high awards that are securable in influence, character and fortune through a life of honest industry and genuine probity, guided and regulated by a sense of Christian obligation, are illustrated in the life of the late. Hon. John D. Waite, Montana pioneer, prominent banker and ranch, ex-senator, and one of Lewistown’s most honored and respected citizens."

The "influence, character and fortune" is also visible in the Waite residence built in 1909.

Harry W. Jones of Minneapolis, Minnesota designed the Waite’s home, which joined the J. T. Wunderlin, W. D. Symmes and George Wiedeman residences in what became known as the "Silk Stocking District".

The Waite residence is a visible sign of the development of Lewistown in 1909 and of the prosperity achieved by many pioneer entrepreneurs in Central Montana.

Integrity:

The residence is original construction and occupies its original site. The upper portion of the projecting temple form has been filled in from its original usage as a covered balcony. The interior of this structure was reviewed during the survey and it was noted that the interior has been revised on upper levels from a single-family occupancy to apartment usage.