Electric
Block
aka Electric Building
North Park at Sixth • 1886-1974
|
Built in
1886, the Electric Building (later called the Electric Block)
had coal-fired steam dynamos in the basement that generated
Helena's electricity until 1898, when hydroelectric power from
the first Canyon Ferry Dam came online. The 120-foot tall stone
and brick chimney was subsequently removed, and an addtional
story was added to the building
The building
also housed businesses, offices and apartments. In 1891, the
Montana Senate met there. In 1911, the Helena YWCA was first
organized in one room of the Electric Block. Helena Baby Boomers
may recall having their photos taken at the Swenson-James Studio.
|
The
Electric Block, May 1937
COLLECTION
OF TED KIRKMEYER, COURTESY OF TOM
MULVANEY •
CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
Site
of the Electric Block
Elevator
in the Electric Block, 1970s
COURTESY
OF ROBIN EVANS
COURTESY
OF ROBIN EVANS
Demolition
of the Electric Block, 1974
|
On January
7, 1974 the City Commission awarded a contract for demolition
of the Electric
Block and the Electric Block annex to the Norman Rogers Mining
Co. of Helena for $57,800. Rogers was the low bidder.
In 1977,
a parking garage was built on the site. Contractors ran into
problems while setting footings for the garage, encountering
stubborn sub-basements and mining tunnels.
|
Post-Demolition,
about 1980
PHOTO
BY KENNON BAIRD
