Dry goods merchant Harry Symons had this handsome Neoclassical Revival style home built circa 1898. Well away from mining activity, but close to downtown, West Park and Excelsior streets attracted Butte’s business elite. In the mid-1890s, the wealthiest residents built homes on the north side of Park to take advantage of the southern exposure and commanding views of the valley. Harry and his brother William founded Symons Department Store in 1897. Since Harry often traveled to New York on buying trips, he rented the house at first, then settled here with his wife Marie and son Dudley in 1901. Marie entertained friends often, organized theater productions, and by 1904, boarded her two unmarried sisters in the house. When Marie and Harry divorced in 1906, Harry moved to New York City and Marie kept the house. Between 1917 and 1931, Dr. Alfred Karsted and his wife Anna raised five children here. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Karsted was also a state tennis champion, president of the Montana Medical Association, and state president of the Sons of Herman, a German fraternal organization.
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