Unknown Early Mercantiles
Can You Help Identify Them?

Interior of a Helena mercantile, ca. 1900

 

 

Interior of a Helena area mercantile, 1907
Photo by Edward M. Reinig

Edward M. Reinig was a professional photographer who operated a small commercial studio in the basement of his Helena home. His photographs include views of Helena and the nearby towns of Elliston, Marysville and Radersburg. Although this store may have been in one of those outlying communities, it is typical of the everyday Helena shopping experience at the beginning of the 20th Century.

 

Helena furniture store, ca. 1890

 

 

Variety store, 1929