12months12places #4, Billings, MT

Here we are in the land of big: big sky, big rock formations (like the Rimrocks), big parks (like Little Bighorn National Monument), big ranches, big cowboy hats and big audiences at the local high school football games at the stadium (we’re within cheering distance). But I’ve been focused (okay, obsessed) with the little details of the houses in our neighborhood.

The house we’re renting is just on the edge of the area of town called the North Elevation, a neighborhood included on the National Register of Historic Places. The boundaries are surprisingly precise: Twelfth Avenue to the north, Ninth Avenue to the south, Thirty-second Street to the west and the alley behind Thirtieth Street to the east. (Alleys are another subject of interest to my rural-raised self; John grew up with alleys in the Chicago suburbs, used by the kids for getting to each others houses and for playing.)

The North Elevation was deliberately established as a subdivision of the city in 1905 when Billings was a rapidly growing city. The promoters advertised panoramic views and promises of living near “the best families” in this new neighborhood, while being within walking distance of the downtown. And walkability was an important feature; the concrete sidewalks were considered a major draw. Until the automobile became common, that is. In 1913 the advertising for houses in the subdivision focused on the miles of “smooth-graded” roads.

I condensed the above information from a plaque at the edge of the designated historic area. Houses that are part of the designation each have a plaque on their front lawn explaining their significance. The details include the date built, the type of house, relevant structural details, and a few – often odd – details of the first owner or a subsequent long-time resident. I only know a couple of people who (maybe) share my focus/obsession about the houses and the details, so here are just a few of many I’ve collected on our neighborhood walks, with just a few details from each of the plaques:

_{Built in 1916, Craftsman bungalow with “knee braces ornament wide overhanging eaves.” “Walter Foster, the superintendent of a meatpacking company, purchased the home in 1936. His wife Louie May continued the familiar social whirl, hosting bridge parties, the Congregational Woman’s Society and other familiar function.”}

^{Bought by Clinton and Inez Warner in 1919 for $1,500, a Colonial Revival, considered a modern design at the time. “…it featured a tuck-under, or integrated, ground-floor garage, accessed from the home.” Most garages were detached buildings. “Cars were important to the Warners. Gladys, the second-oldest, usually drove the short distance to Billings High School.”}

^{Built in 1932 for Juluis and Anna Clavadetscher, a Greek Revival style, with a pediment entryway and multi-pane transom window. “A talented cellist [Julius} joined a musical ensemble that accompanied silent pictures at the Strand Theater.”}

^{Built in 1920, prominent brick chimney is Tudor style, with other common Craftsman-stye features. Owner Jerome Kohn, a cigar salesman, won $300 in gold in the 20’s for selling the most Billings Gazette subscriptions. “Had he won the grand prize, a Hudson sedan, he would have had to park in the street, Unlike most of its neighbors, this house did not have a garage until after 1958.”}

^{Built in 1913, a Prairie style house, a two-story foursquare house with restrained geometric ornamentation. “Home prices suffered during the Great Depression and the residence, valued at $10,000 in 1930, was worth only $6,500 in 1940.}

*^{Built in 1925, a charming Cottage style house, currently valued around $300,000, assessed $2,000 in annual property tax, and for September 2022, the residence of Marie, John and Gus.}*

Next blog I will try to write about bigger things! Such as the pictograph caves, the zoo, Pompey’s Monument, etc…..

2 responses to “12months12places #4, Billings, MT”

pikerino2

October 10, 2022 at 9:25 am

Yes, I think you’d like it here!

LikeLiked by 1 person

Kathy

September 23, 2022 at 6:22 pm

Nice pictures of really beautiful houses– would love to live in any of them!

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