Area 2 acres (0.81 ha) Architectural style English Renaissance Phone +1 406-256-5100 | Built 1903 NRHP Reference # 82003181 | |
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Location 914 Division St, Billings, Montana Architect Hardenbergh,R.J.; Gagnon,E.H. Address 914 Division St, Billings, MT 59101, USA Hours Open today · 1–4PMSunday1–4PMMondayClosedTuesday1–4PMWednesday1–4PMThursday1–4PMFriday1–4PMSaturday1–4PM Similar Western Heritage Center, Pictograph Cave, ZooMontana, DanWalt Gardens, Dehler Park Profiles | ||
The Moss Mansion Historic House Museum is located in Billings, Montana on 914 Division St. It is a red-stoned mansion built in 1903 by Preston Boyd Moss (P.B. Moss) and his wife, Martha Ursula Woodson Moss, (Mattie). Mr. and Mrs. Moss moved to Billings from Paris, Missouri where, "There was more happening at midnight than at noon in Paris Missouri"
Contents
Moss mansion
History
Moss Mansion was inhabited solely by Mr. and Mrs. Moss, their six children, and 3 servants from the time of construction until 1984 at which time a community effort was organized to save the building. The house was built for a cost of $105,000, compared to a national average of $5,000. It is a three story single family dwelling with a basement and an attached solarium; it has 28 rooms, and is 60 feet (18 m) square. It rises 45 feet (14 m) into the air.
The high-end interior decoration include wood paneling, walls with gold threading, marble fireplaces, columns and even vintage intercom system, all of which are original to the home. In addition the house is furnished with the original fixtures, furniture, drapes, carpets. There is much of the Moss' children's furniture that has been returned to the home for prosperity. Many pieces of eldest daughter Kula's furniture, quilts and needlepoint adorn the home as well as their second daughter, Melville's harp. Eldest Martha's paintings and china patterns are featured throughout much of the main floor. Each room in the house had a distinct theme and function designated by Martha Moss. These themes have been preserved and in some cases recreated to preserve the authenticity of the home .
The Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can view the residence during a one-hour guided tour of the lower floors. The top floor and former ballroom has been converted into storage and office space for year round staff. Seasonal exhibits are also featured. The Moss Mansion was designed by the famous New York City architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, who also designed the original Waldorf-Astoria, Plaza Hotel, The Dakota, Williard Hotel, and Copely Hotel. In 1986, the Billings Preservation Society, a non-profit organization obtained proprietorship of the Moss Mansion through a lease agreement with the family and separate option agreement.