Morris Silverman House
412 N. Rodney St.

This landmark house was constructed between 1890 and 1892 for Morris (Mendel) Silverman, a Russian-Jewish immigrant who arrived in Montana in 1867, and became a successful merchant and civic leader in Helena. The house, by an unknown architect, exemplifies late Victorian eclectic architecture through its brick and frame construction, southeast corner turret, multi-level wooden porches with gingerbread trim, and extensive leaded stained glass windows. Silverman resided in the home from its completion until his death in 1931, followed by his daughter Dorothy until 1969. The residence retains much of its original Victorian-era woodwork, including oak staircases and bannisters, hand-carved mirrored fireplace mantels with decorative tiles, sliding pocket doors between principal rooms, and embossed brass hardware on upper-floor doors. The house is notable for its passive energy-efficient elements, such as strategically placed windows for natural light and ventilation, transoms above doors, and shaded porches. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

1961 View

KENNON BAIRD COLLECTION

 

1980 View

PHOTO BY KENNON BAIRD

 

2021 View

PHOTO BY KEITH NAY

The House as an Airbnb
May 2021

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