HomeMy WebLinkAbout502 Mendenhall 2020
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
PO Box 201202, 1410 8th Ave
Helena, MT 59620-1202
Property Address: 502 W MENDENHALL ST
Historic Address (if applicable):
City/Town: BOZEMAN
Site Number: 24GA0944
(An historic district number may also apply.)
County: GALLATIN
Historic Name: Harris House
Original Owner(s): James H. Harris
Current Ownership Private Public
Current Property Name:
Owner(s): American Indian Institute
Owner Address: 502 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715-
3451
Phone:
Legal Location
PM: Montana Township: 02S Range: 05E
SW¼ SE ¼ NE¼ of Section: 12
Lot(s): Lot 47 & 48
Block(s): E
Addition: Tracy’s 1st Add (TRA) Year of Addition: 1872
USGS Quad Name: Bozeman Year: 1987
Historic Use: Commercial, residential
Current Use:
Construction Date: 1904-1910 Estimated Actual
Original Location Moved Date Moved:
UTM Reference www.nris.mt.gov
NAD 27 or NAD 83(preferred)
Zone: 12 Easting:496570.4 Northing: 5058502.4
National Register of Historic Places
NRHP Listing Date: 1987
Historic District:
NRHP Eligible: Yes No
Date of this document: 5/5/2020
Form Prepared by: E. Sakariassen, A. G. Sakariassen, Metcalf
Archaeological Consultants, Inc. with C. Alegria and C.
Hendry, Extreme History Project
Address: Metcalf Archaeological Consultants, Inc., Bozeman,
MT
Daytime Phone: 406-219-3535
MT SHPO USE ONLY
Eligible for NRHP: □ yes □ no
Criteria: □ A □ B □ C □ D
Date:
Evaluator:
Comments: Site has been individually listed in the NRHP.
Further, site would contribute to a potential Historic District.
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 2
Architectural Description
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION
Architectural Style: Queen Anne If Other, specify:
Property Type: Miscellaneous Specific Property Type: American Indian Institute
Architect: Unknown Architectural Firm/City/State: Unknown
Builder/Contractor: Unknown Company/City/State: Unknown
Source of Information: N/A
The property at 502 W. Mendenhall, site 24GA944, consists of a single historical architectural feature: the J. H. Harris House, built
between 1904 and 1910. Originally recorded by James R. McDonald in 1984, the site is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places under Criteria C. The building is used as the offices of the American Indian Institute and has seen little change since it was first
recorded.
The site is a wood-frame, one-and-a-half story house, built in the Queen Anne style. It is set on a corner lot, with the primary façade
on the north, facing W. Mendenhall. It is a significant example of rusticated pressed concrete as cladding in residential use. The
pressed concrete lends the appearance of cut stone. The building has a rectangular footprint; the foundation is of concrete blocks. It
has an asymmetrical, hipped roof with upper story gables on the north, east, and west elevations. All three gables are finished with
alternating bands of squared and scalloped wood shingle rows. The roof covering is asphalt, and a red brick chimney is near the
southeast end of the roof.
A recessed front porch is in the northeast corner of the primary elevation, with a tiny front gable over the steps, and simple Doric
porch columns. Steps enter the covered, open porch from both the north and the east side. The front door has been altered at some
point, and the alteration noted in the 1984 survey. A window is set in an angled wall on the west of the entry door. To the west of the
porch are two windows, one a replacement with a single fixed-lite and the other a replacement double-hung one-over-one lite window.
In the upper story gable is set a triplet window, one-over-one lites each, and the set is topped with a decorative wooden half-circle. A
louvered vent is in the peak.
The east elevation contains a small, high-set, fixed-lite window facing the east, around the corner from the door, and protected by the
porch roof. Another window is located within an angled wall that forms the south end of the recessed porch. This window is a one-
over-one-lite, double hung window. A gable is centered on the east elevation, containing a one-over-one-lite, double-hung window in
the peak. A fixed lite window is on the main level. The south elevation has a deep, recessed portion at the west half of the exterior, a
spindle work post supporting the corner, and a small gable in the roof that covers the entry. An ADA-accessible ramp extends from
this section into the rear parking area. The east half of the south elevation is screened by a large shrub. The west elevation has a
protruding gabled block near the north end, with a one-over-one-lite, double-hung window on the main level. A slightly smaller,
similar window is near the south end of the elevation, on the main level.
In 1984, McDonald concluded that, at that time, the house retained an extraordinary high degree of integrity. Changes have occurred
since then, but they have been restricted to window and door updates, and handicapped accessibility issues. Metcalf finds that the site
retains sufficient integrity to convey its historic character.
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 3
History of Property
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944
HISTORY OF PROPERTY
William H. Tracy purchased this property from the United States on June 15, 1872. He platted the land as Tracy’s 1st Addition in
1872. James and Eva R. Harris purchased the property on April 24, 1906 and had the residence built on this property between 1904
and 1910 (Sanborn Map Company 1904, 1912). Eva Brandenburg was born in Mexico, Missouri in 1872 to William and Mary Jane
(Howard) Brandenburg (Findagrave.com 2004). She came to Montana with her family as a child and attended school in Bozeman. As
an adult, Eva was very active socially and had leadership roles in the Pythian Sisters, a fraternal order, including grand chief and
supreme representative. She was a member of the Neighbors of Woodcraft and the Order of the Eastern Star fraternal groups. Eva
married James H. Harris in 1895 in Bozeman. James Harris was born in 1859 in Virginia to Robert H. and Mary (Robinson) Harris.
James Harris came to Montana Territory in 1880. In 1903 James Harris owned J. H. Harris & Co, a shoe company (Montana.gov
Harris House). His partner in this business was Thomas Colbern. By 1906 they advertised the business as “The Exclusive Shoe Store”
that sold shoes, gloves, and rubber goods, and did repairs (R.L. Polk & Co. 1904, 1906). James served on the Bozeman School Board,
became county treasurer in 1916, and the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder from 1920 to 1932 (The Independent-Record 9 April
1946). James died in 1934 and Eva died in 1946 (Ancestry.com 2017). Eva and James Harris are buried together at Sunset Hills
Cemetery in Bozeman, Montana (Findagrave.com, 2004).
Iva J. Lutes purchased this property on February 16, 1933. Iva Littleton was born in 1895 in Shelby, Missouri to Thomas F. and
Amada (Mathews) Littleton (Ancestry.com 2001). Iva (Littleton) Robinson married Gardner Lutes in 1923 in Livingston (The Butte
Miner, 5 January 1923). Gardner Lutes died in 1932, leaving Iva a widow. She soon met and married Albert Foster in 1933 in
Livingston (Ancestry.com 2017). Iva died in 1973 in Bozeman and is buried in Sunset Hills Cemetery alongside Albert Foster
(Findagrave.com 2004).
Herman W. and Catherine E. Kremer purchased the property on May 12, 1944. Herman Waldo Kremer was born in 1871 in Carroll
County, Illinois to John M. and Josephine Marie (Fischer) Kremer. Katherine “Catherine” Schneider was born in 1872 in Carroll
County, Illinois to Johann and Katherine Schneider. Herman and Katherine ranched near Gallatin Gateway until moving into this
residence in 1944. They sold the property on September 27, 1948. Katherine died in 1951 in California, and Herman died there in
1953 (Findagrave.com 2004).
Walter E. and Grace Van Wechel purchased this property on September 27, 1948. Walter worked as a salesman in Bozeman (R. L.
Polk & Co. 1950). They sold the property in 1951 to Richard H. and Mary A. Rutledge.
Richard Rutledge was born in 1873 in Onargo, Illinois to Matthew and Martha (Wheeler) Rutledge. He came west, as a child with his
parents. Richard married Mary Pottenger in 1896 in Rosebury, Idaho (Great Falls Tribune 25 November 1956). Mary Pottenger was
born in 1878 in Kansas to James and Mary Jane Pottenger (Ancestry.com 2001). Her family moved to Idaho when she was still a child
(The Billings Gazette 20 August 1959). Richard started working for the Forest Service, just seven months after the Forest Service was
created. In 1907-1908 he worked as a supervisor of the Coeur d’Alene National Forest out of Wallace, Idaho. He then moved to
Missoula, where he became a Region 1 forester in 1919. He continued to climb the ranks, becoming a Region 4 forester in 1920,
living in Ogden, Utah. He was appointed Director of Grazing for the Interior Department in 1938 and held that post until he retired in
1944. On March 18, 1955 he was honored as an original founder of the Forest Service. Richard and Mary are buried together in
Billings (Findagrave.com 2004).
William H. and Grace I. Menssen purchased the property on January 17, 1953. William and Grace lived in the house for only a short
time, selling the property in 1955. William was an assistant professor at Montana State College in Bozeman (R. L. Polk & Co. 1954).
George A. and Gertrude E. Barrett purchased the property on September 7, 1955. George worked as an engineer for the State Highway
Commission while living in the residence (R. L. Polk & Co. 1956). George Barrett was born on in 1904 in Wyoming. As a child, he
moved to Missoula with his family. George worked for the Montana Department of Highways for 35 years, retiring in 1969 as the
district engineer in Bozeman. George was one of the founders of the Riverside Country Club in Bozeman (The Missoulian 1 July
1983). Gertrude E. Heckeroth was born in 1907 in Erie, Pennsylvania to Charles A. and Frieda Heckeroth. Gertrude married George in
1928 in Polson (Ancestry.com 2017). Gertrude died in 1980 and George died in 1983, both in Spokane, WA (Ancestry.com 2002).
Efrosine H. Voulkos purchased the property on February 9, 1959. Efrosine Peter “Effie” Voulala Voulkos was born in 1896 in
Mytilini, Lesvos, Greece. Efrosine was a mail order bride, coming to the United States to marry Harry John Voulkos in 1920
(Findagrave.com 2004). Harry Voulkos was also from Greece; he was born in 1889 in Scopos, Thrace. Harry came to Bozeman from
Greece in 1910. He fought for the United States in the World War I, and then came back to Bozeman. He was a cook in Bozeman for
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 4
History of Property
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944
many years and operated a restaurant, the Voulkos Bros. Café located at 513 West Main Street in Bozeman (R. L. Polk & Co. 1922).
Harry died suddenly in 1960, a year after they purchased the property (Ancestry.com 2017).
Efrosine and Harry Voulkos had five children, including two sons. Manuel, stayed in Bozeman and took over the family business.
Peter Voulkos became a famous artist, known for his abstract expressionist ceramic sculptures. Peter Voulkos established the ceramics
department at the Los Angeles County Art Institute and at University of California – Berkeley. He was introduced to ceramics at
Montana State College where he studied painting and printmaking. Frances Senska was his teacher, and Peter quickly developed a
love for ceramics. After earning his MFA from the California College of the Arts and Crafts, he returned to Bozeman and began his
career making functional dinnerware with former classmate Rudy Autio. From there he became a resident artist at the Archie Bray
Foundation for the Ceramic Arts in Helena. In 1959, he moved to California and became a full professor at the University of
California – Berkeley in 1967. He retired from teaching in 1985 and died in 2002 (Wikipedia 2019).
Manuel H. Voulkos became the owner of the property on December 5, 1989 through a deed of distribution. Manuel “Emanuel” or
“Manny” was the son of Efrosine and Harry Voulkos. He was born in Bozeman in 1925 and followed in his father’s footsteps by
going into the restaurant business. He owned Manny’s Drive Inn, or the Burger Inn, located at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Main
Street from 1935 through the early 1980s. Manuel married Genevieve Broekema in 1949 in Bozeman (Ancestry.com 2017). After
Manny retired, his Drive Inn was dismantled, but Montana State University architecture students salvaged the large neon sign that
topped the restaurant. They put the sign up in Cheever Hall on the MSU campus. In 2013 the sign was restored and still hangs in a
studio in Cheever Hall (Bigskybusinessjournal.com 2018). Manny died in 1995 and is buried in Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman
(Findagrave.com 2004).
The property was owned by various members of the Voulkos family until it was sold on September 18, 2008 to the American Indian
Institute, the current owners as of December 2019.
This house is individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Table 1. Chain of Title, 502 West Mendenhall Street, Bozeman, Montana.
Grantor Grantee
Date of
Instrument
Type of
Instrument
Property
Description/Comments Reference
USA William H.
Tracy
15 June 1872 Patent S ½ of NE ¼ section 12, T2S
R5E and SW ¼ of NW ¼ of
section 7, T2S, R6E (113.40
acres)
D: I/56
W. H. and Sarah J.
Tracy
Jennie Cowan 26 December
1900
Warranty Deed Lots 47 and 48, Block E,
Tracy’s 1st Addition
D: 26/320
Jennie C. Holloway
(fka Jennie Cowan)
and H. H.
Holloway
Louis Accola 02 August 1901 Warranty Deed Same D: 28/230 and
36/378
(correction deed)
Louis and Fannie
Accola
Eva R. Harris 24 April 1906 Warranty Deed Same D: 35/525
Eva R. and James
H. Harris
Iva J. Lutes 16 February 1933 Warranty Deed Same D: 77/15
Albert Barnes and
Iva J. Foster (fka
Iva J. Lutes)
Herman W.
and Catherine
E. Kremer
12 May 1944 Warranty Deed Same D: 89/414
Herman W. and
Catherine E.
Kremer
Walter E. and
Grace Van
Wechel
27 September
1948
Warranty Deed Same D: 97/537
Walter E. and
Grace Van Wechel
Richard H. and
Mary A.
Rutledge
24 December
1951
Warranty Deed Same D: 107/204
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 5
History of Property
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944
Table 1. Chain of Title, 502 West Mendenhall Street, Bozeman, Montana.
Grantor Grantee
Date of
Instrument
Type of
Instrument
Property
Description/Comments Reference
Richard H. and
Mary A. Rutledge
William H.
and Grace I.
Menssen
17 January 1953 Warranty Deed Same D: 110/240
William H. and
Grace I. Menssen
George A. and
Gertrude E.
Barrett
07 September
1955
Warranty Deed Same D: 119/132
George A. and
Gertrude E. Barrett
Efrosine H.
Voulkos
09 February 1959 Warranty Deed Same D: 130/73
Estate of Efrosine
H. Voulkos, by
Personal
Representative
Manuel H.
Voulkos
05 December
1989
Deed of
Distribution
Same D: Film 110/2387
Estate of
Emmanuel H.
Voulkos, by
Personal
Representative
Duryea
Emmanuel
George
Voulkos,
Marcella
Lorraine
Robino,
Daniel Evan
Voulkos,
Suzanne
Genevieve
Pennington
25 January 2002 Deed of
Distribution
Same D: #2059137
Duryea Emmanuel
George Voulkos,
Marcella Lorraine
Robino, Daniel
Evan Voulkos,
Suzanne Genevieve
Pennington
American
Indian Institute
18 September
2008
Warranty Deed Same D: #2310729
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 6
Information Sources/Bibliography
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944
INFORMATION SOURCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ancestry.com
2001 Montana, State Deaths, 1907-2016 [database on-line]. Ancestry.com Operations Inc., Provo, Utah. Electronic document,
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-
bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=5437&h=1113231&tid=&pid=&usePUB=true&_phsrc=mrb2288&_phstart=successSource, accessed
March 9, 2020.
2002 Washington, Death Index, 1940-2017 [database on-line]. Ancestry.com Operations Inc., Provo, Utah. Electronic document,
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?dbid=6716&h=110207&indiv=try&o_vc=Record:OtherRecord&rhSource=61578,
accessed March 10, 2020.
2017 Montana, County Births and Deaths, 1830-2011 [database on-line]. Ancestry.com Operations Inc., Lehi, Utah. Electronic
document, https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-
bin/sse.dll?dbid=61255&h=42656&indiv=try&o_vc=Record:OtherRecord&rhSource=7884, accessed February 3, 2020.
2017 Montana, County Marriages, 1865-1987 [database on-line]. Ancestry.com Operations Inc., Lehi, Utah.
https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?dbid=61578&h=90435878&indiv=try&o_vc=Record:OtherRecord&rhSource=61255,
accessed March 9, 2020.
Bigskybusinesjournal.com
2018 “Manny’s Diner Will Not Be Forgotten.” Electronic document, http://bigskybusinessjournal.com/business-news/5186-
manny-s-diner-will-not-be-forgotten, accessed March 10, 2020.
The Billings Gazette [Billings, Montana]
1959 “Billings Matron Dies of Stroke.” 20 August. Billings, Montana. Electronic document,
https://www.newspapers.com/image/410178207/?terms=Mary%2BRutledge, accessed March 10, 2020.
The Butte Miner [Butte, Montana]
1923 “Livingston.” 5 January. Butte, Montana. Electronic document,
https://www.newspapers.com/image/348733173/?terms=gardner%2Blutes, accessed March 9, 2020.
Find A Grave
2004 Iva J Foster (10 Mar 1895 – 6 Oct 1973). Electronic document, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/51338286/iva-j-foster,
accessed March 9, 2020.
2004 Eva A. Brandenburg Harris (13 May 1872 – 1946). Electronic document,
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9194272/eva-a_-harris, accessed February 3, 2020.
2004 Herman Waldo Kremer (8 May 1871 – 1953). Electronic document, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190448279,
accessed March 9, 2020.
2004 Katherine E. Schneider Kremer (31 Jul 1872 – 12 Jul 1951). Electronic document,
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/190448290, accessed March 9, 2020.
2004 Richard Haney Rutledge (28 Sep 1873 – 23 Nov 1956). Electronic document,
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102418510, accessed March 9, 2020.
2004 Efrosine Peter “Effie” Voulala Voulkos (27 Nov 1896 – 27 Jan 1989). Electronic document,
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/51233140/efrosine-peter-voulkos, accessed March 10, 2020.
2004 Emanuel H “Manny” Voulkos (2 Aug 1925 – 4 Nov 1995). Electronic document,
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/51233141, accessed March 10, 2020.
Gallatin County Clerk & Recorder
1864-2019 Gallatin County Deeds. Gallatin County Clerk & Recorder, Bozeman, Montana.
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 7
Information Sources/Bibliography
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944
Great Falls Tribune [Great Falls, Montana]
1956 “Former Regional Forester Richard H. Rutledge Dies.” 25 November. Great Falls, MT. Electronic document,
https://www.newspapers.com/image/238650829/?terms=Richard%2BRutledge, accessed March 10, 2020.
1960 “Harry J. Voulkos.” 13 February. Great Falls, Montana. Electronic document,
https://www.newspapers.com/image/238004313/?terms=Voulkos, accessed March 10, 2020.
The Independent-Record [Helena, Montana]
1946 “Mrs. Eva R. Harris, Pythian Sisters Leader, Is Taken.” 9 April. Helena, Montana. Electronic document,
https://www.newspapers.com/image/392377155/?terms=Eva%2BHarris, accessed February 3, 2020.
The Missoulian [Missoula, Montana]
1983 “George A. Barrett.” 1 July. Missoula, Montana. Electronic document,
https://www.newspapers.com/image/350134587/?terms=George%2BBarrett, accessed March 10, 2020.
Montana.gov
No date The Montana National Register Sign Program, “Harris House,” Digital Vault. Electronic document,
http://digitalvault.mhs.mt.gov/items/show/20462, accessed February 3, 2020.
Renewable Technologies, Inc. [RTI]
2008 Bozeman Historic Resources Survey, revised ed. Prepared for Planning Department, City of Bozeman, Bozeman, Montana.
Electronic document, http://www.bozeman.net/home/showdocument?id=5645, accessed 3/31/2020.
R. L. Polk & Co.
1902-2010 Polk’s Bozeman (Gallatin County, Mont.) City Directories. R.L. Polk & Co., Kansas City, Missouri.
Sanborn Map Company
1890-1943 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana (Jul 1890, Nov 1891, Jan 1904, Sep 1912, Sep
1943). Sanborn Map Company, New York, New York.
Wikipedia.com
2019 “Peter Voulkos” Electronic document, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Voulkos, accessed March 10, 2020.
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 8
Statement of Significance
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
NRHP Listing Date: 1987
NRHP Eligibility: Yes No Individually Contributing to Historic District Noncontributing to Historic District
NRHP Criteria: A B C D
Area of Significance: Architecture Period of Significance: 1904-1910
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Harris House was listed in the NRHP in 1984, under Criterion C for its architectural significance. As stated in the nomination, it is
“an excellent example of eclectic, turn of the century architecture in Bozeman, and the most significant residential use of pressed stone
in the city” (McDonald 1984). It remains a unique representative example of this material application. Metcalf finds the site in
excellent condition. It retains sufficient integrity to convey its historic character in reference to its architectural form and style under
Criterion C, and it speaks clearly to the Civic Phase of Bozeman’s development, reflected in the eclecticism and individualization of
both commercial and residential architecture (RTI 2008).
This site is currently listed in the NRHP under Criterion C and retains integrity sufficient to maintain its listed status.
Due to the character of the surrounding neighborhood, Metcalf recommends further research be conducted regarding Tracy’s 1st
Addition to evaluate district potential. This site would contribute to a potential historic district.
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 9
Integrity
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944
INTEGRITY (location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, association)
The site is in excellent condition, overall. The aspects of material, design, and feeling have been affected by the replacement of the
original entry door and the windows. The aspects of location, setting, and association are intact. In 1984, McDonald concluded that, at
that time, the house retained an extraordinary high degree of integrity. Changes have occurred since then, but they have been restricted
to window and door updates, and handicapped accessibility issues. Metcalf finds that the site retains sufficient integrity to convey its
historic character.
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 10
Photographs
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944
Feature # 1
Facing: S
Description: Property 103, Site 24GA944. Front façade (Image #1770, 10/18/2019. SLW).
Feature # 1
Facing: SW
Description: Property 103, Site 24GA944. Oblique view (Image #1771, 10/18/2019. SLW).
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 11
Photographs
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944
Feature # 1
Facing: SE
Description: Property 103, Site 24GA944. Oblique view (Image #1774, 10/18/2019. SLW).
Feature # 1
Facing: N
Description: Property 103, Site 24GA944. Rear view of south elevation (Image #1773, 10/18/2019.
SLW).
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 12
Site Map
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944
MONTANA HISTORIC PROPERTY RECORD
PAGE 13
Topographic Map
Property Name: 502 W MENDENHALL ST Site Number: 24GA944