The building that is currently being renovated to become the Hobson Museum was originally the Cook & Dunn Drugstore built in 1909 on the east side of Main Street just 2 blocks south of the original depot site. This historic building served as a drug store through the early 1940’s. In 1946, with many veterans returning home, the building was purchased and remodeled to become a meeting place for the American Legion Post 76 and the American Legion Auxiliary. Those young, eager farm boys, who so bravely and loyally served our country, are today an aging and diminishing population. With dwindling numbers, and concern in their ability to continue to properly maintain a nearly century-old building, the American Legion sold the structure to Dale and Kathy Longfellow, owners of Hobson Insurance in 2006. Fortunately, the Longfellows recognized the historical significance of the building, but needed the property it sat upon to enable them to expand their business. It was with this in mind that they donated the building to the Friends of the Hobson Library (the sponsors of the Museum project), with the stipulation that it be physically moved and renovated for use as a museum and community-use facility.

Beginning in the winter of 2006, when the gift of the American Legion building was finalized, the Friends of the Hobson Library began making plans to move the building to its current location. With the contract to move the building with Hankins Construction of Square Butte, Montana, signed, it was determined that the move would be completed in June of 2007. Moving the building involved site preparation, pouring a new foundation and physically moving the 61’ x 25’ structure to its new home on property owned by the Friends of the Hobson Library, 1.5 blocks south of where the original foundation was laid 100 years ago.

Plans are to install a propane furnace and air conditioning, connect and upgrade electricity in the building, and install new plumbing . Inside, a handicap accessible bathroom will be constructed, the tile floor will be upgraded and the walls and ceilings repaired and painted.

Final touches such as building a courtyard, installing a flag pole and other completing amenities will ensure the project will be as ready as possible for the Grand Opening to celebrate the Hobson Centennial in July of 2008. Finally, displays will be developed and professional signage on the highway erected to inform travelers of the Museum. Upon completion, the Hobson Museum will utilize current technologies and capabilities to preserve the Judith Basin’s proud past for future generations.