Chinese Garden
Where Grizzy and Oro Fino Gulches Meet • One of Several in Old Helena

Early Helena's enterprising Chinese population were not only laborers and merchants, but prolific gardeners as well. This "Chinese Garden" at the south end of West Main St., where Grizzly and Oro Fino Gulches converge, was one of several that help supply produce to the growing city from about the 1870s to the 1890s. The garden most referenced in contemporary Helena newspapers was the one located where Helena Senior High School is today. According to the newspaper archives, there was another in the vicinity of present-day North Ewing St. and East 17th St., one near Main and Lawrence, and one west of town near the Kessler Brewery.

 

Chinese Gardens, Looking South Up Grizzly Gulch

COURTESY OF THE JEZICK COLLECTION • CLICK ON IMAGE TO OPEN A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

 

Chinese Gardens, Looking South Up Oro Fino Gulch

COURTESY OF THE JEZICK COLLECTION • CLICK ON IMAGE TO OPEN A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW

 

Site of the Chinese Gardens, West Main, 1950s

COURTESY OF THE DAVID POOR COLLECTION • CLICK ON IMAGE TO OPEN A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW