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.