How to Donate to Help Preserve History in Black Eagle

• The Great Falls Historic Preservation Advisory Commission is aiming to save a historic building in Black Eagle
• The Boston and Montana barn is located on the Anaconda Hills Golf Course and has fallen into disrepair over many years of neglect
• A donation fund has been set up aiming to raise $300,000 to help save the iconic white barn from the Anaconda Smelter days

How to Donate to Help Preserve History in Black Eagle

A familiar icon on the north side of the Missouri River in Great Falls is in dire need of a facelift and one group is looking to save the last remaining structure from a bygone era.

via GIPHY

But it isn't going to be a cheap endeavor.  The building has become somewhat of an eyesore it the past years and if something isn't done soon, Mother Nature and Father Time may make the decision for us instead.

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The Boston and Montana Barn in Black Eagle Has Stood Over a Century

The barn dates back to 1901 to the start of what would eventually become the Anaconda Smelter in Black Eagle.  Originally storing horses, carriages and equipment for the building of the smelter.

It then began life anew as a firehouse for the company, housing several fireman and equipment.  But as the story goes, the upstairs would become a basketball court/gymnasium and to accommodate, supports were cut inside the building.

Over the years, several attempts were made to keep the walls from falling outwards, including large cables and rods anchored throughout.

For many years the building would house golf carts and equipment for upkeep and the still running City of Great Falls owned Anaconda Hills Golf Course.

After many years of neglect, the city chose to close off the area due to dangers of the foundation or the building itself collapsing.

Helping to Save An Icon of a Bygone Era Begins with Donations

The Great Falls Historic Preservation Advisory Commission is now looking to save this historic building, the last of its kind on the property.  The commission is hoping to raise $300,000 to stabilize a portion of the barn.

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Cascade Preservation, a non-profit, has agreed to help accept donations for this ambitious project.  To support the effort, send your donation to:

• PCI for Barn Project, PO Box 1673, Great Falls, MT 59403

You can find out more about the Historic Preservation Advisory Commission here.