After the last few days of doing practically nothing, it was time to explore a little bit of Helena. We walked along Last Chance Gulch Drive (how's that for a street name?). The city was practically deserted. I don't know where the Memorial Day crowds were, but we had the place to ourselves. There was some interesting artwork and a lot of beautiful architecture in the historic part of Helena.
Last Chance Gulch (Main St.) was converted to a walking mall in the 70's.
The Women's Commemorative Mural 1979 - to honor the unacknowledged contribution of the women in Montana history.
This used to be the main street, but now it is closed to all but foot traffic.
This tickled my funny bone!
Where are all the people?!
The name "Atlas Block" (housing an insurance company in 1889) was intended to convey strength.
This is supposed to be Atlas holding the weight of the building on his shoulders. I strongly disagree with the stone mason as to what Atlas should look like!!!
Built to last in 1889.
This was the Power Block (block and building were used interchangeably back then). It could have been named for the really big stone blocks used in construction or it could have been the building where you paid your power bill, but actually, it was built by magnate Thomas C. Power.
Fire escape on the Power Block
The building below was my favorite. There were so many interesting details I probably took 20-30 pictures. I included just this one which shows most of the details if you enlarge it and study it a bit.
The first floor stone arches are all that remain of the 1893 Montana Club (consumed by fire in 1903). The present building rose from its ashes in 1905.
Just a little further up the gulch was a city park with a memorial to all of the ships named for the city of Helena. The earliest one was in service during the Civil War. Only one is currently sailing. That is the SSN Helena, a U.S. Navy submarine. I believe I'm standing next to an old propeller from the sub.
I don't think this would be a good place to visit after hours but it was certainly colorful in the daylight. The path led up a hill where there was an observation tower. We could see it was locked up, so we didn't bother climbing the hill.
Across Main Street is Reeder's Alley. It is one of the cities oldest streets and is a fairly new renovation project. It was a bit too rustic for my enjoyment - the architecture was not really awe inspiring, but it was a nice walk just the same.
Built by brick mason, Louis
Reeder, between 1873 and 1884, Reeder's Alley is the most complete remaining
block of Montana
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