Montana Historical and Architectural Inventory (Site # 243)

Address:	204 West Boulevard
Ownership Name:	James A. & Janet Lipp
Historic Name:	Wiedeman Residence
Common Name:
Date of Construction:	1905
Architect:	C. E. Bell
Builder:	George Tubb
Original Owner:	George J. Wiedeman
Original Use:	Residence
Present Use:	Residence

Physical Description:

This large square 2 ½ story detached residence occupies a very large corner lot in the maturely developed and landscaped boulevard or "silk stocking" district of Lewistown. The roof massing is hip shaped with a very small truncated area at the apex; hipped roof dormers project from the northeast and southwest roof slopes and a pedimented gable roof dormer looks out to the southeast. All roof dormers feature glass windows with a classic diamond grillwork. The roof covering is wood shingle and terminates in a modest overhang with boxed cornice of bead-joint wood boards. The roof edge is trimmed with a narrow flat wood fascia and the cornice is supported by sculpted modillion blocks that butt into a frieze board that caps the top of the wall. Other elements in the massing include a hipped shed element that is one story in height along the southwest and northwest back corner of the anchor mass, a small one-story hexagonal bay window that projects from the dining room on the northeast elevation (right of center), a Classical Greek portico above the entrance on the southeast elevation, a section of two story high curved wall at the extreme right side of the southwest elevation, and a slightly projected rectangular wall element in the center of the northeast elevation. The entry portico is supported by ½ scale free-standing wood Doris columns and engaged rectangular columns at the wall interface. The tympanum of the portico is basically plain; the frieze incorporates regularly spaced metopes. The entrance element is accessed from a slightly raised brick patio that extends full width of the southeast elevation. The wall finish is flemish bond Lewistown brick with a double solider expression at the top of the wall and a combined soldier/rowlock at the first floor line. Brick rowlocks are used for window sills. Windows are wood throughout and are typically 1/1 double hung. Exceptions to this include a tripart grouping of divided light windows flanking French doors that connect a tiny wrought iron balcony to an interior music room in the east corner of the house, and very delicate leaded glass windows at the landing of the central stair in the center of the northeast elevation. Living room windows also feature leaded transoms above fixed lights. The windows are cased with brick mold and typically have wood storm windows over. The substructure for the house is concrete; a large brick chimney with tudor detailing penetrates the roof; and a detached matching brick garage occupies the north corner of the lot.

This residence qualifies for register listing under Criteria C. Prominent siting, a high level of skill in architectural detailing, and an excellent example of locally produced brick that has been residentially used in this "masonry" city all add to the significance of this residence.

Classification: Georgian and Federal styles are the most strongly represented influences on this residence. The bowed bay is characteristic of Federal architecture. The pattern of the brick is derivative of Dutch brick architecture and the projecting bays represent a romantic revival departure from the formality of the basic style.

Historical Significance:

This property is significant because of its association with George J. Wiedeman, who played an important role in the development of Central Montana.

A pioneer rancher and businessman, George Wiedeman maintained "public-spirited interest in all that tends to the progress and material prosperity of his home city, and the development of Fergus County."

He was treasurer and manager of the Montana Hardware Co., of which he was an organizer in 1983 with T. C. Power, J. W. Power, A. W. Warr, and N. M. Erickson. Recognized as one of the "most progressive young businessmen of the section", he assisted in the organization of several development oriented businesses, including the Lewistown Electric Light Co., and the Lewistown Brick and Tile Co.

The Wiedeman residence, designed by C. E. Bell of Helena, was built in 1904 and was originally a frame structure. It was the first of several substantial residences in the section which later became known as the "Silk Stocking District", and stands as a visible sign of the growth and prosperity of the period.

In 1915, the Wiedeman’s gave their home a veneer of dark, vitreous brick, produced by the Lewistown Brick and Tile Co., which George Wiedeman helped to establish in 1911.

Integrity:

This residence is original construction on the original site. The flemish bond brick veneer was added in the early history of the structure. Because of its size, location, siting and associations, this residence is a significant contributor to the survey district.