Point Drive-Inn
June 2022
The exterior of the replica of the 1946 Point Drive Inn is almost complete. Karl Krapf Construction did a fine job of replicating the 12’ x 24’ structure using a period photograph. The exterior was started in December and is now in the final stages.
The original structure was a granary built on a homestead area near Inverness and purchased by Ed and Jake Jacobson in 1946, moved to Cut Bank, and transformed into the first Point Drive Inn. The building served as the Point from 1946 to 1955 when it was replaced by a new larger Point, at which point the original building was sold and moved to Chester.
The photograph below shows the exterior of the new building complete except for door hardware.
The next step in the next couple of weeks is to paint the exterior of the building. If you are interested in helping, call Bob Bacon at 406-845-4822. Volunteer time helps not only with completing the project but counts toward grant funding. After the exterior is painted, the extensive lettering will be added.
In May, the museum acquired nine period chairs and six stools from a former diner in Oil City Pennsylvania. Volunteers are needed to help clean the stools and chairs in preparation for use.
The next step for the project is to focus on the interior, particularly the insulation, the construction of the counter and the connection of electrical, septic, water. The museum will be using volunteers to construct two tables, the counter, and a workstation shown in a 1950 interior photograph. These projects will start soon.
The Point sign was restored and installed last July. When the electrical is provided to the building, the sign will be glowing once again.
There are still portions of the project needing funding, especially equipment. Please help us finish this project. This project has received $31,400 from a Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development grant and over $11,600 to date from private donations and fundraisers. We still need an estimated $20,000.
The sooner we finish the project, the sooner it will be open to the public and generating much needed funds to keep your museum operating, preserving and interpreting the fascinating heritage of our area. Any questions about the project, please contact the Museum. Come out and see the progress as well as all the other interesting features of your Museum.