Luxurious interior woodwork hidden behind a modest façade characterizes this classic Craftsman style bungalow, built before 1900. The home’s coffered ceilings, paneled wainscotting, and a built-in hutch and bookcases in the dining room reflect a 1910s remodel and evoke the Craftsman style’s emphasis on organic materials. Robert C. and Ruth Rehfeld lived here with their son Clarence and Robert’s sister Belle Bennett from 1900 to 1906. Robert worked as a laborer, night watchman, and mail carrier at various times and Ruth, a singer, participated in the Butte Oratorio Society. Hotel Finlen barbershop owner William O. Hess owned the house for a short time before selling it to carpenter Frank Richard in 1907. When Frank purchased the property, it included a six-room house and a three-room cottage near the alley. He later expanded and richly redecorated the main house interior while completely rebuilding the rear cottage to house his carpentry shop. In 1910, Frank divorced his first wife and married Anna Menhennette in 1911. They raised one daughter in the home and were active members of the Butte Carpenter’s Union. Frank and Anna remained in residence until 1942.
Images
Documents
| Name | Info | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| W O Hess builds 1233 West Granite The_Butte_Miner_1906_07_29_6.pdf | pdf / 460.35 kB | Download |
| Frank Richard obit The_Montana_Standard_1946_05_12_10.pdf | pdf / 284.13 kB | Download |