Herbert Summer Cabin near Big Timber, Listed!
Tucked into a clearing above the West Boulder River and crafted of logs and stone gathered from nearby, the off-the-grid Herbert Summer Cabin complex has been managed by only four owners over the last century. The 1935-built cabin and its four ancillary buildings hold historic significance for association with the development of New Deal period recreation residences in the former Absaroka National Forest (today the Custer Gallatin National Forest).
Patti Casne recognized for service, Historic Preservation Review Board
Patti Casne of Helena began her Historic Preservation Review Board appointment on February 2, 2016, and served until October of 2024. Patti’s love for and interest in history shone through her service as a member of the “Interested Public.” Patti worked as an airline attendant when she met and married Ed Casne, and the couple moved to Helena, where they started their engineering firm Casne & Associates, a business now run by their son, Ryan.
Kevin Kooistra honored with John DeHaas Memorial Award
On May 16, Montana Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) SHPO honored Kooistra with the John N. DeHaas Memorial Award for his Outstanding Contribution to Historic Preservation in Montana. Lilly and Emily Kooistra-Manning accepted the award on their father’s behalf.
Crowley Block in Lewistown recognized as an outstanding rehabilitation project
On May 16, Montana Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) recognized the owners of the Crowley Block for Outstanding Historic Preservation Stewardship. Built in 1913 in Classical Revival architectural style, the Crowley building in Lewistown hosted several businesses until it was vacated in 2016. One Health acquired the block in 2019 to expand its medical and behavioral health services, and partnered with Missoula-based Homeword, Inc. to offer affordable housing on the upper floors. One Health’s clinic opened in August 2022, creating 20 full-time jobs. All apartments on the upper floors are occupied.
Joan Brownell honored for outstanding service
Congrats to Glendive’s Joan Brownell, recipient of the MTHS State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Outstanding Contribution to Historic Preservation award. Joan has authored or co-authored 150 cultural resource reports and 20 National Register nominations. Her well-rounded and thoughtful work brings history to life and provides an enduring record to other researchers. Her products are detailed, well-researched, and imbued with her obvious appreciation and grasp of a location’s importance and history.
The Montana Historic Preservation Awards are held every two years to celebrate Montana’s outstanding heritage places and the people who help preserve them.
https://mhs.mt.gov/Shpo/celebrate-preservation
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Jeff Shelden recognized for service, Historic Preservation Review Board
Jeff Shelden of Lewistown holds the distinction of serving on the State Historic Preservation Review Board longer than any other member. Jeff’s initial stint on the board commenced in the autumn of 2010 and lasted through May of 2012, an appointment truncated by his time in the Foreign Service. Upon Jeff’s return to Montana, he garnered a reappointment beginning in October 2016, serving through September 2024 in the role of “history professional” in the field of architecture. Jeff earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Idaho and holds professional licenses in Montana and Wyoming.
Nick Kujawa recognized for service, Historic Preservation Review Board
Nick Kujawa of Missoula’s tenure on the State Historic Preservation Review Board began in May of 2020 and ended January of 2024, serving in the role of History Professional. Nick began his academic career at the University of Montana receiving a dual degree in Physics and Philosophy. From UM, Nick travelled across the county to the New York University School of Law where he received his jurisprudence degree.
Marcella Sherfy Walter recognized for service on Historic Preservation Review Board
Marcella Sherfy Walter began her Historic Preservation Review Board career in October of 2016, finishing her second four-year term with the September 2024 meeting. Marcella served as a History Professional in the field of architectural history. Born in McPherson, Kansas, Marcella embarked on her higher-education career at Church of Brethren College the received her graduate degree in United States History and Historiography at the University of Oregon.
Frank LaLiberty recognized for service, Historic Preservation Review Board
Frank LaLiberty’s time on the Historic Preservation Review Board began in January of 2021 and extended through September of 2023. Frank served in the role of Interested Public, an apt position to fill for Frank who loves and embraces history. A Montana boy, Frank graduated high school in Great Falls and received his Forestry degree from the University of Montana and a teaching degree in Agricultural Education from Montana State University, truly a conundrum in a state that pledges wholehearted allegiance to one university or the other.
Dion Block in Glendive receives Governor’s Award
Constructed in 1905 and renovated in 1929, the Dion Block in Glendive was a vital commercial space for much of the 20th century. On May 16, Kevin and Angela McPherson McPhersons received the Governor’s Award for an Outstanding Historic Preservation Project. Since acquiring property in 2017, the McPhersons and have invested more than $1.5 million in grants, private funds, and sweat equity with assistance from USDA-REAP, SHPO, Dept. of Commerce, and Federal and State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits.
Mystic Lake Powerhouse: The Power of Perspective
By 1920, Billings served as a hub of industry and was among the most populous cities in Montana. In response to the region’s growing demand for energy, the Montana Power Company constructed the dam and powerhouse at Mystic Lake between 1923 and 1927.
Fort Peck Dam: The Power of Perspective
Built between 1933 and 1940 at a bend in the Missouri River south of the Nakoda (Assiniboine), Dakota and Lakota (Sioux) Nations’ Fort Peck Reservation, the Fort Peck Dam and spillway transformed northeast Montana’s physical and cultural landscape on a massive scale.
Thompson Falls Hydroelectric Complex: The Power of Perspective
First constructed on a set of natural falls in the Clark Fork River in 1915, the Thompson Falls Hydroelectric complex played a central role in electrification of the Milwaukee Road Railroad and solidified Montana Power Company’s sector dominance.
Séliš Ksanka Ql̓ispé Dam: The Power of Perspective
Séliš Ksanka Ql̓ispé Dam has generated electrical power from the lower Flathead River since 1938 and embodies an enduring conflict between opposing ways of life. Decades of federal assimilation policies targeted Native Americans and set the stage for Montana Power Company to build the 204-foot-high concrete gravity-arch hydroelectric facility within the Flathead Indian Reservation in northwest Montana.
Orientation Videos for Cultural Resources Database Research
View recordings from an informational webinar about Montana SHPO’s Cultural Resources Database Research Fellowship.
Curtis Music Hall, Uptown Butte
The Curtis Music Hall is one of Uptown Butte’s grandest buildings. This Victorian era time capsule on Park and Main has been a dance hall with live music, boarding house, meeting place, saloon, bakery, restaurant, confectionery, and shoe store.