HELENA MONTANA
--- Capitol of Montana : population approx. 29,000 : elevation 3,600 ft msl ---

Here are some views of my hometown. These images have been watermarked to prevent their use without my permission.
e-mail

Helena Montana from the South Hills
Easy access to this area
has been blocked by local conservation groups,
but you can still see this view
with a little hiking effort.



The Firetower on South Last Chance Gulch
This was built during early mining days due to frequent fires in the crude wooden structures comprising the frontier community.

My House, built here in 1885. -->
It first was owned by an English Lord Mounsey
Thomas Appleton was the architect



The Saint Helena Cathedral


This impressive structure dominating the local skyline was erected in 1916, using modern steel frame construction covered with a stone facade. The interior columns are faux marble, originally created by Italian Craftsmen. Local tradition claims the church's design by it's architect, VonHerbulis, was patterned after the considerably larger midevil cathedrals found in Cologne Germany and Vienna Austria.


The Helena Civic Center


Entry and Auditorium


This Moorish Design Building Originally was a Masonic/Shriner's Clubhouse erected in 1926 to compete with the Catholic's Cathedral for the local skyline. The shriners were unwilling to repair the building after the great earthquake in 1936. Today this is the civic auditorium owned and operated by the city along with the Grand Street and the Myrna Loy Theaters. These are supported by performance events, government grants, and local tax revenues.


The Montana State Capitol
Started in 1889 completed in 1902 This Greek Ionic style limestone government edifice
is decorated inside with original Paxton & Russell Art Murals


Reeder's Alley
Once called "blackcat alley" This unique Street was built in 1865 by Edmond Reeder
as a housing complex, it later degenerated into a slum area. In modern times it has been rennovated into a commercial complex.


The Helena Downtown Jazz & Music Festival
and ALIVE AT 5 WEDNESDAYS
Blues Stage & Beer Garden
This was at Anchor Park, but the venue changes every week.
Downtown Helena Events are primarily geared to local tastes, but visitors are certainly welcome. If you're planning to attend keep in mind to be prepared. Downtown parking during such events is difficult often requiring long walks (the local bus service stops at 6 p.m.). The park lawns lawns are watered late in the afternoon before the scheduled concerts. There is no seating provided. I recommend you take a plastic ground cloth or water barrier along with a towel or blanket, or collapsible pack chairs. Also if there are any clouds over the mountains bring a water resistant jacket and umbrella because local weather conditions often change without warning in this mountain community.


Canyon Ferry Lake
A Popular fishing and recreation man-made lake 15 miles east of Helena on the Missouri River

IMAGES ON THIS PAGE WERE CREATED BY ROBERT N CLARKSON, proprietor of CLARKSON STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY, BETWEEN 1973 and 2000. UPDATED IMAGES ARE CONTINUALY BEING MADE AVAILABLE IN OUR STOCK LIBRARY ADDITION TO THE IMAGES SHOWN HERE.