HomeMy WebLinkAbout307 S Black 1984MONTANA HISTORICAL AND
ARCHITECTURAL INVENTORY Site#
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Address: 307 South Black
ownership: name: __ E_l_1_· z_a_b_e_t_h_A_._M_i_l_l_e_r __
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/ I O abstract of title 0 city directories
!XI sewer/water permits
0 obituaries
0 biographies
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~ \D ; Bibliography:
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: NI Avant-Courier-November 1, 1883
i Leesons -See attached sheet :,:X Progressive Men -See attached sheet
-~ Sewer Permit, 1910, Lucretia Lace
1ificant architectural features. ----· -----------
This detached one-and-one-half story multi-family residence has a rectangular
plan with two recessed porches on either side of a projecting gabled bay. The
one-bay facade is asymmetrical and consists of an off-center front entrance
with fixed and 2/1 double-hung windows and a gabled bay windows on the south
rear of the house. The frame construction is finished in aluminum siding and
rests on a rubble foundation. The gable roof is covered with green asphalt
shingles and features a large gabled dormer and overhanging eaves with exposed
rafters. There are two chimneys. The alterations include wide horizontal siding,
new windows, and the original residence has been altered to three apartments.
Outbuildings include a one-bay attached garage.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Justify how the persons, important events, and/or historical patterns associated with the structure/site
and surrounding area lend the property significance.
This property is significant because this residence is associated with a
person important in Bozeman history, Judge Llewellyn Augustus Luce. Luce
was an early Bozeman resident and distinguished member of the legal circle.
Born in 1837 in Maine, he practiced law with various federal agencies in
Washington, D. C. before moving to Bozeman in 1882. He was in partnership
with Judge Frank F. Armstrong for five years before forming a partnership
with his son, John, Luce and Luce. He was a member of the 1889 Montana
Constitutional Convention.
This structure is an Intrusive element within a potential historic district.
INTEGRITY: Assess the degree to which the structure/site, and surrounding area accurately convey the historical associations of the
property.
The historic integrity of this property has not been retained due to change
in original design and materials.
INFORMATION VALUE: Explain how the extant structure/site may demonstrate or yield information about its historic use or construc-
tion.
None.
FORM PREPARED BY: GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
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Name f fl ~n ~ R r";fAe r· 'tEl M~CHITECTS P.C ,1,,L;; r .i. o ,f1
Acreage: ____________________ _
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MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
For the Montana National Register of Historic Places Program and State Antiquities Database
Montana State Historic Preservation Office
Montana Historical Society
Property Address: 307 South Black Avenue
Historic Address (if applicable): Same
City/Town: Bozeman
Historic Name: Luce Residence
Original Owner(s): Unknown
Current Ownership [XI Private D Public
Current Property Name:
Owner(s): Dennis Steinhauer
Owner Address: PO Box 1167
Bozeman, MT 59771
Phone: 406-585-7770
PO Box 201202, 1410 81h Ave
Helena, MT 59620-1202
! i ! Site Number:
l (An historic district number may also apply.) I
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!
J County: Gallatin
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t ! Legal Location
I ! PM: Montana Township: 02 S Range: 06 E !
1 ! i
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114 of Section: 07
! Lot(s): Lot 3-4, S. 23' of Lot 5.
! i ! Block(s): Block F
! i I Addition: Black's Addition Year of Addition:
i I USGS Quad Name: Year:
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Historic Use: Residence
Current Use: Residential
Construction Date: prior to 1889 C8J Estimated D
Actual
i ! UTM Reference ! i
www.nris.mt.gov/topofinder2
j D NAO 27 or D NAO 83(preferred)
! l Zone: !
! !
Easting: Northing:
! C8J Original Location D Moved Date Moved: l
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National Register of Historic Places
NRHP Listing Date:
Historic District:
NRHP Eligible: D Yes [XI No
i
l Date of this document: May 25, 2012 J i i Form Prepared by: Courtney Kramer, HPO
! ! Address: PO Box 1230 Bozeman, MT 59771 ! !
1 Daytime Phone: 406-582-2260
1
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MT SHPO USE ONLY
Eligible for NRHP: o yes
Criteria: o A o B o C
Date:
Evaluator:
o no
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i ! Comments:
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MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 2
Architectural Description
0 roperty Name: Luce Residence
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION
Architectural Style: Other:
Property Type: Residential
If Other, specify: Original style unknown; various remodels
Specific Property Type:
Architect: Unknown Architectural Firm/City/State: N/A
Builder/Contractor: Unknown Company/City/State: N/A
Source oflnfonnation: N/A
Site Number:
The residence at 307 South Black Avenue faces east, with the principal roof line running parallel to South Black
Avenue. A single dormer, in the Minimal Traditional architectural style, runs perpindicular to the street,
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE3
Architectural Description
Property Name: Luce Residence Site Number:
The one and one-half-story residence at 307 South Black Avenue faces east, with the principal roofline running
parallel to the street. The building's sill plate is low to the ground, thus making the foundation materials
difficult to discern.
On the main floor, the structure is divided into three bays. To the south is what was likely a porch area, now
glassed-in with 2/1 hung windows through which a staircase to a second floor dwelling unit is visible. This area
is accessed through a storm door. In the center is a large fixed-pane window, with five internal mullions across
the top of the window and two along the sides. The front fa;:ade is completed on the north with a recessed porch
under which is a wood storm door with transom and 1/1 hung window. Square wood columns support the roof
and the porch floor is wood.
The second story is located entirely under the roof rafters, with 1/1 windows visible at either end of the gable
roof. Decorative craftsman knee braces accentuate the gable ends. The entire building is sheathed in white
aluminum siding.
On the roof a single gable dormer, in the Minimal Traditional architectural Style, sits perpendicular to the
ridgeline facing the street. The window centered in this roof dormer includes vertical casement windows
divided into fourths, arranged around a central large pane of glass. The roof is sheathed in grey asphalt shingles.
The general style of the residence reads as Craftsman, with Minimal Traditional modifications.
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE4
History of Property
lroperty Name: Luce Residence
HISTORY OF PROPERTY
Site Number:
The residence at 307 South Black A venue first appears on the 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map for the City of
Bozeman. The structure may have existed when the 1883 Sanborn Map was created, however this section of
South Black A venue is outside of the 1883 map limits. Deed research, which may further pinpoint a date of
original construction, has not been conducted on this property. Polk Directories, available for Bozeman
beginning in 1901, list Llewellyn Luce, and his wife Lucretia and daughter Gertrude as residence of 307 South
Black Avenue.
Originally of Kennebec County, Maine, Luce married Lucretia Jones of Saratoga County, NY in 1863.The
Luce's followed real estate speculation opportunities in Delaware and West Virginia, before relocating to
Washington DC where Luce worked in the office of the assistant attorney general for the department of the
interior. In 1881 Luce was made chairman of the commission sent to Montana Territory to negotiate the sale of
portions of the Crow Reservation to the Northern Pacific Railway order to enable completion of the
transcontinental line. In 1882 Luce moved his family to Bozeman and established a law practice.
In 1889 Luce served as a member of Montana's constitutional convention. Luce brought his son, John A. Luce,
into the legal partnership of Luce and Luce in the same year. It was apparently a family affair, as Polk
Directories list daughter Gertrude and John A. Luce's daughter Permilla as stenographers at Luce & Luce.
Llewellyn Luce was nominated in 1894 by the Democratic Party for the Montana Supreme Court.
Luce died at the age of 65 on Sunday, January 4, 1903 in his home as the family prepared to attend church
services, reported The Bozeman Chronicle reported. The newspaper went on to describe the Masonic rites given
Luce during the burial, and that "the stores of the city were generally kept closed as a mark ofrespect."
Polk Directories indicate that Lucretia and Gertrude Luce continued to live at 307 South Black Avenue until
Lucretia's death on June 24, 1912 at the age of 70. By 1916 Gertrude Luce was living down the street with her
brother John A. Luce's family, at 319 South Black Avenue. John A. Luce served as Mayor of the City of
Bozeman at this time, and the Polk Directory lists Gertrude as the Deputy City Clerk at City Hall. John A. Luce
died suddenly at the age of 50 on September 2, 1916.
Between 1918 and 1940, Arthur and Margaret Allen are listed as residents of 307 South Black Avenue. Allen's
occupations are alternatively listed a carpenter and real estate agent. Alma Allen, a nurse, was listed as living at
307 South Black in the 1922 Polk directory.
Frank and Elizabeth Miller were the only residents of the house from 1950 to 1958. It is assumed that the
residence was split into three apartments sometime around 1958, after which Frank Miller and a variety of other
people are listed as living at 307 South Black. Occupations included mechanics, store clerks and students. By
1985 Les Denning, a manager for Rocky Mountain Real Estate is listed in apartment 1, with a variety of other
residents until Denning's departure in 2008, after which the present owner is listed.
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 5
Information Sources/Bibliography
~roperty Name: Luce Residence
INFORMATION SOURCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY
Site Number:
"Application and Record of Water Connection: 307 South Black Avenue." Bozeman, Montana, March 19, 1910.
Bozeman Chronicle. "Death of Hon. L.A. Luce." January 6, 1903, p. 3.
Bozeman Chronicle. "Mrs. L.A. Luce Dies at Her Home Last Night." June 26, 1912, p. 4.
Kappler, Charles J. Indian Affaris: Laws and Treaties. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1904.
R.H. Polk. Bozeman [Montana] City Directory; Including Gallatin County. City Directory, Bozeman,
Montana: R.H. Polk & Company, 1900-01, 1902-03, 1904-05, 1906-07, 1908-09, 1910-11, 1912-13,
1916-17, 1918-19,22, 1928, 1927, 1929, 1931, 1933, 1917-18, 1940, 1942, 1944, 1947, 1950,1954,
1956, 1958, 1959, 1985-2010.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Company. "Fire Insurance Map for Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana." New York:
Sanborn Fire Insurance Company, 1943.
-. "Fire Insurance Map for Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana." New York City: Sanborn Map Company,
1889.
-. "Fire Insurance Map for Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana New York City: Sanborn Map Company,
1912.
-. "Fire Insurance Map for Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana." New York City: Sanborn Map Company,
September 1927.
-. "Fire Insurance Map for Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana." New York City: Sanborn Map Company,
September 1943.
-. "Fire Insurance Map for Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana." New York: Sanborn Map Company, 1957.
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE6
Statement of Significance
lroperty Name: Luce Residence
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
NRHP Listing Date:
Site Number:
NRHP Eligibility: D Yes D No D Individually D Contributing to Historic District ~ Noncontributing to Historic District
NRHP Criteria: D A D B D C D D
Area of Significance: Period of Significance:
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The residence at 307 South Black A venue is located within the South Tracy/ South Black Historic District, an
area notable for its eclectic mix of vernacular architecture spanning from the earliest construction in Bozeman
through the 1940's.
The 1987 National Register evaluation for the South Tracy/ South Black Historic District denoted the property
at 307 South Black Avenue as non-contributing, probably due to loss of historic integrity. The document
indicates dates of construction on the site as "1885, 1920's and ca. 1975." This updated Site Form is in advance
of redevelopment plans to demolish the existing structure in favor of the new construction of two residences on
the site. The Site Form finds the determination made in 1987 to remain true.
Due to the extent of alterations on the structure, the residence is not eligible under Criteria A "Events in our
history" or Criteria C "Design."
Research into the property indicates that the residence does have historic merit under Criteria B for its historic
association with Llewellyn Luce. The extent of alterations, however, disconnects the current physical building
from its design during Mr. Luce's residence in the property. The residence, thus, is not eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places under Criteria B.
Investigation into Criteria D, the site's ability to provide information is incomplete at this time, though it is
likely that ground disturbance during the construction of the residence as well as South Black A venue have
disturbed any archeological information on the site.
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE7
Integrity
?roperty Name: Luce Residence
INTEGRITY (location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, association)
Site Number:
The original shape and architectural origin of the structure is difficult to ascertain. The 1889 Sanborn Fire
Insurance Maps indicate a structure of the same general shape at 307 South Black Avenue. The height and
architectural origin of the building is impossible to discern from the Sanborn Maps. Two accessory structures
between the residence and the alley are noted as 2 Y2 stories in height. The 1890 and 1891 Sanborn Maps
indicate a rapid succession of porches added, enclosed, and removed
By January 1904 the general shape of the residence remains the same as the original, and one of the accessory
structures is listed as 307 Yi South Black; likely indicating a rental unit in this structure. The 1912 Sanborn Map
shows a generally more square structure and the residence gained its current shape in time for the 1927 Sanborn
Fire Insurance Map. It is likely that the residence was "Craftsman-ized" sometime between 1912 and 1920.
The roof dormer facing the street is in a decidedly Minimal Traditional style, as indicated by the lack of eves on
the gable dormer and the window design. It's possible this alteration occurred sometime around 1958, when
Frank Miller expanded the residence into three dwelling units.
The final alterations to the residence, the addition of metal siding, occurred sometime in the 1970' s. Interviews
with the owner indicate that various construction methods and foundation materials are evident in the residence,
:ndicating a variety of remodels over time. The accessory structures on the rear of the site were removed
sometime after 1951.
Historic integrity, especially in terms of the property's historic significant association with Llewellyn Luce, is
low. The structure retains the original location, but design, setting materials, workmanship, feeling and
association have all been obscured by alterations to the structure.
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGES
Photographs
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Facing:
Description: 1889 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map
Feature# Description: 307 South Black A venue
Facing: from SE looking NW
Site Number:
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE9
Site Map
. i'roperty Name: Luce Residence Site Number:
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 10
Topographic Map
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MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE n
Topographic Map
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January 1904 Sanborn Map
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MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 12
Topographic Map
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MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 13
Topographic Map
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Title: When Old Isn't Historic
By: Courtney Kramer
Historic preservation is built on retaining older buildings which communicate our shared history. These
places help us understand the events or specific people which shaped our past, as well as the
architecture and construction techniques used during specific eras. Sometimes though, modifications
drastically alter an older building, effectively disassociating the remaining physical structure from the
building present during the historic era. It is possible for an old building to not be historic.
The house at 307 South Black Avenue is a good example. The building is located within the geographical
boundaries of the South Tracy/ South Black Historic District, on the National Register of Historic Places,
but was not included in the National Register listing. To understand why, you have to understand the
house's history.
The residence first appears on a Sanborn Fire Insurance Map for 1889, and is shown in generally the
same footprint on the 1890 and 1891 Sanborn Maps. The 1880's and early 1890's were a period of
major growth in Bozeman, associated with the arrival of the railroad in 1883 and the state capital
campaign of the early 1890's. Builders constructed new residences north and south of the commercial
district lining Main Street and the period of significance for the South Tracy/ South Black Historic District
includes this time period.
The man who eventually lived at 307 South Black Avenue played a part in generating this economic
boom. Llewellyn Luce, an attorney originally of Kennebec County, Maine, arrived in Montana Territory in
1881 to negotiate the sale of portions of the Crow Reservation to the Northern Pacific Railway. Luce
worked for the office of the assistant Attorney General for the Department of the Interior.
Preliminary survey maps from the 1870's indicate that the Northern Pacific planned to build tracks on
the north side of the Yellowstone River. Detailed construction surveys of the early 1880's indicated a
gentler grade through some portions of the landscape south of the river, which would save the NP
construction costs and time. This necessitated the concession of rights of way through the Crow
Reservation, which at the time stretched from the North Dakota Border to about 20 miles east of
Livingston.
Luce and his team successfully negotiated to trade a strip of land 400 feet wide through the Crow
Reservation for $25,000. The agreement also approved the construction of three wagon roads into the
Reservation, presumably for the distribution of supplies to the inhabitants. Following ratification of the
agreement by Congress in July of 1882, the Northern Pacific completed the transcontinental line into
Bozeman by March 1883.
Luce moved his family to Bozeman in 1882 and established a law practice . In 1889 Luce brought his son
John into the legal partnership of Luce and Luce. The business was apparently a family affair, as Polk
Directories of the early 20th century list daughter Gertrude and John Luce's daughter Permilla as
stenographers at Luce & Luce.
In 1889 the citizens of Gallatin County elected Lleweyllan Luce, a Democrat, to serve as a member of
l'Vlontana's constitu1ionalconvenffon. Fro-m-July,ffo August 17, 1889~Luce and fellow Gallatin County
delegate Charles S. Hartman labored under the leadership of chairman William A. Clark (a Butte Copper
King) to draft the Montana State Constitution.
A key component of the 1889 Montana Constitution was the election of the permanent state capitol
through at the general election in 1892. Butte, Bozeman, Missoula, Anaconda, Great Falls, Boulder and
even Livingston were considered candidates, and each community scrambled to make improvements
designed to impress potential voters.
Bozeman constructed a new municipal building to house the City Hall, Fire Station and Opera House, as
well as a substantial new hotel and Northern Pacific Passenger Depot. The election, rigged by the
competing interests of WA Clark and Marcus Daly, left Bozeman in fourth place. As a runner-up prize,
the community became the location of Montana State College . An institution of higher learning is not a
bad conciliation prize for a corrupt election.
How does all of this history relate to 307 South Black Avenue? The residence was the home of Llewellyn
Luce and his wife Lucretia . Sanborn Maps indicate major alterations to the residence sometime between
1891 and 1904; porches were enclosed and an addition made to the south west corner of the building.
Llewellyn lived at 307 South Black until his death in January 1903. Lucretia and her daughter Gertrude
remained there until Lucretia's death in June 1912, after which Gertrude moved down the street to her
brother John's house at 319 South Black (another residence extensively altered by remodeling). In 1916
John Luce served as Mayor of the City of Bozeman and the Polk Directory lists Gertrude as the Deputy
City Clerk at City Hall. John Luce died suddenly in his home at 319 South Black at the age of 50 on
September 2, 1916.
The house at 307 South Black remained a single family household through two ownership changes.
Sometime between 1912 and 1927 the room at the south west corner of the building was removed.
Presumably at the same time the house was remodeled to resemble a craftsman style residence,
effectively cutting the physical structure off from its association with the historically significant person of
Llewellyn Luce. The house was again remodeled 1958, when it was split into three apartments, and a
dormer added to the front of the residence. Tenants after 1958 include mechanics, store clerks, nurses
and students.
The post-1912 remodels of the Luce house obliterated the building's historic integrity; that is, the
residence's ability to convey its historic significance of the home of Llewellyn Luce. Luce would be
unable to recognize his home in the remodeled structure at 307 South Black Avenue. The house's
design, materials, workmanship and general feeling have entirely changed since the time period during
which the Tracy/ South Black Historic district was home to some of the biggest movers and shakers in
Bozeman, and Montana, history. Thus, this old building is no longer "historic."