| Old Butte Historical Adventures Guided Historic Tours of Uptown Butte, Montana Welcome to Old Butte Historical Adventures! Established in 2004 as a small group of local historians and property owners working together to preserve and display the colorful history of Butte, Montana "The Richest Hill on Earth". Gold, silver, and finally copper brought Butte’s population to nearly one hundred thousand with over one hundred fifty underground mines running 24 hours a day. Today there are numerous reminders of the opulence, decadence, and wild lifestyles of poor European immigrants, miners, businessmen and of course the wealthy "Copper Kings". Old Butte Historical Adventures offers a family friendly walking tour of this wild era from the outside of buildings to the inside of historic uptown Butte. The Tours cover every decade from the 1880’s through the 1950’s. Three tour options are available depending on the amount of time you can stay. Tour#1- The underground "Rookwood Speakeasy" (re-discovered in 2004) is now open daily from 10 am till 4 PM and gives an outstanding example of an upper end drinking establishment during the gangster days of Prohibition. $5 Admission Tour #2- Our Short tour- One hour 30 minutes, 110 stairs, and 1 mile walking. This tour includes the 1909 Silver Bow Mens Club (rich and famous only!), 1912 County Court house, 1884 W.A. Clark Copper King Mansion, 1891 Stephens Hotel, Roarin 20’s Rookwood Speakeasy, and the 1950’s Hirbour Barber Shop. $9.00 Tour #3- Our Long tour which runs concurrently with the short and can be upgraded to the long. This tour includes all of Tour #2 plus the restored 1924 Finlen Hotel, 1930 Tony’s Tin Shop, 1920’s Myra Brothel, 1910’s "Cabbage patch’s slum housing", and returns to the start point with a tour of the 1930’s Dellinger Law Offices. $12.00 To really enjoy the total experience of Butte, plan on a several day stay to enjoy other attractions including the Old #1 Trolley Tour, The World Museum of Mining, Our Lady of the Rockies, the Mai-Wah in China town, and the 1890’s Dumas Brothel in Butte’s former Red light district. Other activities include miles of biking, hiking, and walking trails, great golfing, fishing, eating and shopping! Mike Byrnes |
Rookwood Speakeasy
Built as a hotel in 1912 the Rookwood features over 45 rooms, a marble entryway and a tiled facade. During the days of
Prohibition (1919-1933) alcohol still flowed freely in the mining city. Bars were simply moved underground and Butte was
estimated to have over one hundred illegal drinking establishments . Recently discovered under the sidewalk of the
Rookwood is one of the most beautiful speakeasies west of Chicago. With thick terrazzo tile flooring, hardwood moldings
and mythical griffins carved into the ceiling it is easy to imagine the smoke filled room alive with jazz, flappers and dapper
Dan’s partying the night away during the roaring twenties..
Hirbour Barber shop
In 1901 Emanuel Hirbour constructed one of the first metal framed skyscrapers west of the Mississippi in Butte but
unfortunately passed away prior to its completion . This distinctive office building was used up until the mid 1960's and is
scheduled to be renovated again into offices and condominiums. The first floor is now home to Kallys Corner, a boutique.
Recently renovated below the sidewalk is the Hirbour Barber Shop Museum. The barber shop ran here from the early 1920s
to the late 1950s. Restored from a damaging fire the barber shop has a mid fifties setting. Come visit and find out the secret
of why so many came for a "clip" but ended up with a "buzz" !
Stephens Hotel
Frank Stephens, a successful Irish immigrant, was visiting Butte one day with his horse and buggy when he happened
across a large hole in the ground at the intersection of Montana Street and Park Street. He purchased the lot and decided to
built a fine hotel on the spot knowing he could save money with the basement basically already dug! Finished in 1891 the
Stephens Hotel holds some of the most interesting history in Butte. Lutey’s the grocery store on the bottom floor was
considered the first self serve grocery in the United States. A mortuary was the first business in the east end of the building
and a trip into the hotel today will take you back to the Gay 90's and the incredible story of Willie Lindell, a lady who lived
here.
Juttner Law offices
The bottom floor of this building was built in the 1880's and has been know by the locals in Butte for decades as the
Toggery clothing store. The upper business offices were built in the early 1890's and housed the Butte Adjustment
Company (repossessions), Mrs. Penny’s Employment Office and the law offices of Charles F. Juttner and Mr. Fitzsgerald
. As the Toggery was remodeled in 1938 the stairs to the upper floor were cut away and not replaced. New stairs have just
been completed and they will lead you to a time capsule from the mid 1930s showing these offices with much of their
furnishings, fixtures and paperwork still in place. Learn more about C.F. Juttner as one of Butte’s prominent citizens,
politician and judge.
Myra Block
The Myra block was built during Butte’s zenith in 1920. The bottom floor housed as a tin shop and was open as Tony’s
Tin Shop until the early 1950's . The upstairs, consisting of six separate rooms, was operated as a brothel on the eastern
edge of Butte’s famous red light district. Located to the rear of the Myra are several of the last remaining tin and wood
shanties from Butte’s slum area known as the Cabbage Patch. Many of the poorest immigrants from Europe, brand new to
the United States, came here to get established. There were open sewers, no electricity, and many seedy characters to take
advantage of the unaware. Butte truly had the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich rubbing elbows everyday that
was seen nowhere else in America.
Finlen Hotel
Opened on New Years Day in 1924 The grand new Finlen Hotel was inspired by the Astor Hotel in New York City. Hard
times with falling copper prices caused the second tower never to be completed but the Finlen was still considered on of the
most elegant hotels between Minneapolis and Seattle. The Finlen had such dignitaries as John F. Kennedy, Robert F.
Kennedy, Harry Truman, Richard Nixon, and Charles Lindberg grace its wonderfully preserved rooms. During union riots of
the early 1920's Butte was declared under marshal law and a large contingent of US Army troops were stationed here to
keep the peace. Today you can see and stay in the splendor of times gone bye.
Silverbow Club
Erected in 1906 this magnificent Art Deco building with French wallpaper, Belgian brick and hand painted frescos was the
meeting place for the rich and famous in Butte. The movers and shakers would meet here drinking the finest whisky,
smoking the best cigars and cutting some of the biggest financial deals of the early 20th Century. The third floor was
reserved for the "mistresses" in this Mens only club! Members included JP Morgan, George Hurst and Henry Rogers. As
the Great depression took hold the Silverbow club went into decline and was ironically purchased for the Miners Union
Hall in 1950. Today the Club serves as the center for the Butte Celtic Irish Cultural center.
Silverbow Courthouse
Built from 1910 to 1912 This grand Beaux Arts building is actually the second courthouse built on this site. Solid copper
doors, copper roof, red marble pillars, intricate stained glass rotunda, and gilded mosaic murals speak of the wealth flowing
through Butte as the 20th Century dawned. Behind the courthouse 27 men have met their fate on the gallows (still kept in
the basement of the courthouse!). On the front steps Franklin D. Roosevelt has given two speeches to thousands, one in
1920 and again in 1932. During the labor strife of 1914 the US Army was housed in the basement while insuring the peace
was kept in Butte.
Mother Lode Theater
Built by the Masons to be their new Temple in 1923, the building was soon sold and converted into a theater. For many
years Butte had seven huge beautiful theaters and the top names from around the world came here to play. The list of
performers included Charlie Chaplin, Fred Astaire, Eddie Foy, Clark Gable, Bob Hope and many others.
The Mother Lode became a Fox Theater for decades and finally fell into disrepair and was abandoned. As Butte lost her
once glorious playhouses, the Mother Lode became the last one standing. A few years ago several million dollars were
acquired for a complete restoration of this beautiful old theater. Today she is now as beautiful as she ever was and still
draws thousands every year for plays, concerts and opera. Step back into the Roaring Twenties again and enjoy this
magnificent Art Deco theater.
Built as a hotel in 1912 the Rookwood features over 45 rooms, a marble entryway and a tiled facade. During the days of
Prohibition (1919-1933) alcohol still flowed freely in the mining city. Bars were simply moved underground and Butte was
estimated to have over one hundred illegal drinking establishments . Recently discovered under the sidewalk of the
Rookwood is one of the most beautiful speakeasies west of Chicago. With thick terrazzo tile flooring, hardwood moldings
and mythical griffins carved into the ceiling it is easy to imagine the smoke filled room alive with jazz, flappers and dapper
Dan’s partying the night away during the roaring twenties..
Hirbour Barber shop
In 1901 Emanuel Hirbour constructed one of the first metal framed skyscrapers west of the Mississippi in Butte but
unfortunately passed away prior to its completion . This distinctive office building was used up until the mid 1960's and is
scheduled to be renovated again into offices and condominiums. The first floor is now home to Kallys Corner, a boutique.
Recently renovated below the sidewalk is the Hirbour Barber Shop Museum. The barber shop ran here from the early 1920s
to the late 1950s. Restored from a damaging fire the barber shop has a mid fifties setting. Come visit and find out the secret
of why so many came for a "clip" but ended up with a "buzz" !
Stephens Hotel
Frank Stephens, a successful Irish immigrant, was visiting Butte one day with his horse and buggy when he happened
across a large hole in the ground at the intersection of Montana Street and Park Street. He purchased the lot and decided to
built a fine hotel on the spot knowing he could save money with the basement basically already dug! Finished in 1891 the
Stephens Hotel holds some of the most interesting history in Butte. Lutey’s the grocery store on the bottom floor was
considered the first self serve grocery in the United States. A mortuary was the first business in the east end of the building
and a trip into the hotel today will take you back to the Gay 90's and the incredible story of Willie Lindell, a lady who lived
here.
Juttner Law offices
The bottom floor of this building was built in the 1880's and has been know by the locals in Butte for decades as the
Toggery clothing store. The upper business offices were built in the early 1890's and housed the Butte Adjustment
Company (repossessions), Mrs. Penny’s Employment Office and the law offices of Charles F. Juttner and Mr. Fitzsgerald
. As the Toggery was remodeled in 1938 the stairs to the upper floor were cut away and not replaced. New stairs have just
been completed and they will lead you to a time capsule from the mid 1930s showing these offices with much of their
furnishings, fixtures and paperwork still in place. Learn more about C.F. Juttner as one of Butte’s prominent citizens,
politician and judge.
Myra Block
The Myra block was built during Butte’s zenith in 1920. The bottom floor housed as a tin shop and was open as Tony’s
Tin Shop until the early 1950's . The upstairs, consisting of six separate rooms, was operated as a brothel on the eastern
edge of Butte’s famous red light district. Located to the rear of the Myra are several of the last remaining tin and wood
shanties from Butte’s slum area known as the Cabbage Patch. Many of the poorest immigrants from Europe, brand new to
the United States, came here to get established. There were open sewers, no electricity, and many seedy characters to take
advantage of the unaware. Butte truly had the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich rubbing elbows everyday that
was seen nowhere else in America.
Finlen Hotel
Opened on New Years Day in 1924 The grand new Finlen Hotel was inspired by the Astor Hotel in New York City. Hard
times with falling copper prices caused the second tower never to be completed but the Finlen was still considered on of the
most elegant hotels between Minneapolis and Seattle. The Finlen had such dignitaries as John F. Kennedy, Robert F.
Kennedy, Harry Truman, Richard Nixon, and Charles Lindberg grace its wonderfully preserved rooms. During union riots of
the early 1920's Butte was declared under marshal law and a large contingent of US Army troops were stationed here to
keep the peace. Today you can see and stay in the splendor of times gone bye.
Silverbow Club
Erected in 1906 this magnificent Art Deco building with French wallpaper, Belgian brick and hand painted frescos was the
meeting place for the rich and famous in Butte. The movers and shakers would meet here drinking the finest whisky,
smoking the best cigars and cutting some of the biggest financial deals of the early 20th Century. The third floor was
reserved for the "mistresses" in this Mens only club! Members included JP Morgan, George Hurst and Henry Rogers. As
the Great depression took hold the Silverbow club went into decline and was ironically purchased for the Miners Union
Hall in 1950. Today the Club serves as the center for the Butte Celtic Irish Cultural center.
Silverbow Courthouse
Built from 1910 to 1912 This grand Beaux Arts building is actually the second courthouse built on this site. Solid copper
doors, copper roof, red marble pillars, intricate stained glass rotunda, and gilded mosaic murals speak of the wealth flowing
through Butte as the 20th Century dawned. Behind the courthouse 27 men have met their fate on the gallows (still kept in
the basement of the courthouse!). On the front steps Franklin D. Roosevelt has given two speeches to thousands, one in
1920 and again in 1932. During the labor strife of 1914 the US Army was housed in the basement while insuring the peace
was kept in Butte.
Mother Lode Theater
Built by the Masons to be their new Temple in 1923, the building was soon sold and converted into a theater. For many
years Butte had seven huge beautiful theaters and the top names from around the world came here to play. The list of
performers included Charlie Chaplin, Fred Astaire, Eddie Foy, Clark Gable, Bob Hope and many others.
The Mother Lode became a Fox Theater for decades and finally fell into disrepair and was abandoned. As Butte lost her
once glorious playhouses, the Mother Lode became the last one standing. A few years ago several million dollars were
acquired for a complete restoration of this beautiful old theater. Today she is now as beautiful as she ever was and still
draws thousands every year for plays, concerts and opera. Step back into the Roaring Twenties again and enjoy this
magnificent Art Deco theater.
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