Built in 1921, the former Rosebud County Deaconess Hospital was the first hospital erected in the county and is the original building of what is now the Rosebud Health Care Center. The hospital was built in the aftermath of the 1918 Flu Pandemic, which killed around 5,000 people in Montana. As its name indicates, it was originally operated by a Methodist women's organization called the Order of the Deaconesses. In terms of architecture, the building is a simple example of the Georgian Revival style, featuring a symmetrical design, a classical entrance with columns, and stone medallions between first and second-floor windows. The hospital is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Montana's Rosebud County Courthouse has served as the seat county government since its construction in 1914, and is an excellent example of Neoclassical architecture. Designed by prominent Montanan architects Charles Haire and J.G. Link, the courthouse features several notable elements including a concrete and masonry exterior; a main entrance (on the south side) with a balustraded balcony above the doors, Ionic columns, and pilasters supporting a large pediment; a copper cornice (the top edge of the building); and a copper dome supported by an octagonal structure with windows. The courthouse is historically significant in the areas of local politics and architecture, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
The historic Blue Front Rooming House building is significant primarily for its association with the Forsyth's railroading history. It was built as the Swanland Hotel by local Gustaf "Gus" Swanland in 1912 to provide much-needed, inexpensive housing to employees of the Northern Pacific Railroad, who were mostly single men. At the time, it had a bright blue front facade, which gave it its nickname "Blue Front." Architecturally, it is a typical example of an early 20th century commercial building, featuring a simple facade and a cornice topped with a pediment bearing the year 1912. It is well preserved and the interior has largely been unaltered. The bedrooms were on the second floor and the kitchen, parlor, and dining room were on the first floor.
Located across the street from the Rosebud County Courthouse, Federated Church is a unique example of Prairie School architecture. Originally called First Presbyterian Church, it was erected in 1920, a year after a fire destroyed the previous church. Next to the church is a historic house built in 1910 and served as the minister's residence. Designed by Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, the church features a yellow brick exterior; stained glass windows; and a main entrance with a Gothic arch, buttresses, decorative stone detailing, and a large stained glass window above the doors. As for the residence, which is called manse, it is two-stories tall and also designed in the Prairie School style.
The historic Masonic Temple building has served a number of important roles in its history, particularly in the early 20th century. The Forsyth Masonic Lodge built it in 1911 and continues to meet here today. In 1917, it became a temporary hospital during the 1918 flu pandemic. Then, between 1921 and 1927, the public library was located here. The building is also a contributing property of the Forsyth Main Street Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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This short walk through Forsyth begins downtown at the city's Masonic Temple and moves on to Federated Church, a former boarding house, the county courthouse, and the Rosebud County Deaconess Hospital.
