Fratt/Link House
The gold rush lured New York native David Fratt to Montana in 1864, where he founded the Musselshell Cattle Company and developed diverse, lucrative business interests. He married Kate Armour in 1889 and soon after settled in Billings where they numbered among its most progressive citizens and generous philanthropists. They built this Queen Anne “Free Classic” style home in 1899, a half-mile east of its present location. David died in 1912 and Kate in 1918. Kate left funds to construct a commercial block honoring her husband, to be built on the lot where the Fratt’s home stood. Family members engaged architects John G. Link and Charles S. Haire to design the new building. They were already well known for designing many public and private buildings, including the additions to the Capitol in Helena in 1912. German-born Link appreciated the Fratt home’s fine features. Under his ownership in 1922, workers split it into two sections and successfully moved it to its present Westside location. The neighborhood—platted in 1901—had become a Billings showplace. The home fit in perfectly among others on the block, three of which Link designed. Narrow horizontal siding and shingles in various patterns, red brick chimneys, an oculus window over the entry, and a witch’s cap turret are eye-catching details. Inside, a copper fireplace, finely carved staircases, and eight-foot-tall pocket doors continue the exquisite workmanship. The residence remained in the Link family until the late 1980s, and successive owners have maintained the tradition of excellent stewardship.
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