The Steamboat Block
Main St. at Neill Ave.

Period Illustration of the 1887 Steamboat Block

Built as company headquarters by shipping magnate Thomas C. Power in 1887, the Steamboat Block still stands today, but in a drastically remodeled and truncated form. From 1887 until at least 1892, the second and third floors were given over to hotel rooms -- the Lenoir Hotel.

 

1888 Fire Insurance Map of the Steamboat Block

Circa 1891 Rendering of the Steamboat Block as Seen from Helena Avenue
Published by Ide and Rumsey, Helena

COURTESY OF TOM MULVANEY • CLICK ON IMAGE FOR A BIG VIEW IN A NEW WINDOW

 

 

The Steamboat Block, 1940s

According to available newspaper archives, the "prow" of the Steamboat Block was removed in 1940, and this service station was constructed by George McGaffick.

 

June 1940 Service Station Opening Ad

 

 

Steamboat Block Office Remodeling, 1951

COURTESY OF KATHRYN FEHLIG

In 1951, Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Co. moved its accounting department from Salt Lake City to Helena. MST&T leased office space in the Power Block, and extensive remodeling was done. The accounting offices remained in the Steamboat Block until 1962, when MST&T moved most of their operations to the former Western Life building on Park Ave.

The Steamboat Block, mid-1950s

COURTESY OF DARCY O'DELL