Located on the road half way between Absarokee and Columbus, this substantial two-story farmhouse has long been a landmark in the Stillwater River Valley. The classic American Four-Square style dwelling was common throughout rural America and reflective of the simplicity of the times. Built in 1907 by Everett McBride, it was among the first large residences in the area. A farmer, Everett experimented with different types of crops and sold apples grown in an orchard adjacent to the house. McBride and his wife, Lydia, celebrated the completion of the house by throwing a well-publicized party for their neighbors that lasted until after dawn the following day. These proud owners began a long tradition of providing a hearty meal and a place to stay for travelers. Everett and Lydia McBride left Montana in 1910, leaving this house as a legacy to the Stillwater Valley. Over the years and through several owners, the Halfway House maintained its well-deserved reputation for hospitality and as a safe haven from inclement weather. Indeed, one visitor later wrote, “Many are the freighters who have stopped for a drink at the well and if perchance it was the noon or supper hour have tied their horses in the barn and enjoyed a meal.” While the freighters are long gone, the Halfway House remains a familiar sight to travelers on the Absarokee–Columbus Road.

Images

Halfway House
Halfway House Halfway House. Front to side view of the house (left of house). Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office Creator: Robin Watkins Date: Feb. 2000
Halfway House
Halfway House Halfway House. Front to side view of the Outbuilding, facing south. Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office Creator: Robin Watkins Date: May 2000
Halfway House
Halfway House Halfway House. Side view of the house, facing north. Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office Creator: Robin Watkins Date: May 2000
Halfway House
Halfway House Halfway House. Rear to side view of the house with a front to side view of the Outbuilding, facing east. Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office Creator: Robin Watkins Date: May 2000
Halfway House
Halfway House Halfway House. Front to side view of the house with a rear to side view of the Outbuilding, facing west. Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office Creator: Photographer unidentified Date: Summer 1998
Halfway House
Halfway House Halfway House. Side view of the house, facing south. Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office Creator: Photographer unidentified Date: Summer 1998
Halfway House
Halfway House Halfway House. Front to side view of the house, facing west to southwest. Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office Creator: Photographer unidentified Date: Summer 1998
Halfway House
Halfway House Halfway House. Front to side view of the Garage, facing west. Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office Creator: Robin Watkins Date: May 2000

Location

3951 MT 78, Absarokee/Columbus, Montana | Private

Metadata

The Montana National Register Sign Program, “Halfway House,” Historic Montana, accessed March 19, 2024, https://historicmt.org/items/show/2112.