Townsend Mercantile:many Stores Under One Roof
Author: MT 43 News Staff Reporter
Townsend Mercantile: Many Stores Under One Roof
And a Nod to History
MT 43 News Staff Reporter
In the mood for a yummy take-out dinner or a really thick milkshake?
Buy a piece of well-crafted jewelry for that classy lady in your life.
Bring home a succulent special cut of beef or lamb. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to order a bale of hay.
Choose from a great selection of Montana-made gifts.
You can do it all under one roof at a handful of stores in the newly opened Townsend Mercantile Company in the former Rocky Mountain Supply building on Front Street in Townsend. Some of the owners are old hands at entrepreneurship, others are trying their hand at a store for the first time
Each business has unique features. The Creamery makes specialty ice cream cakes and the malt shop is a big hit. The Creamery tacos, burritos and bowls are food to crave.
Jessica Hanson started JRock Jewelry in 2019 after making her own pieces at home. She graduated from Flathead Valley Community College with an associate degree in jewelry production. Jewelry making fascinated her after she attended jewelry classes in high school. Designing silver pieces with precious jewels is her main interest. She makes custom pieces as requested. She also repairs jewelry. Jesse worked as a goldsmith for three years at Riddles Jewelry in Billings.
Interestingly, JRock Jewelry’s original Townsend location was on Broadway Street in the original Townsend Mercantile Company building. The name has come full circle.
The original Townsend Mercantile Company was opened in 1900 by W.E. Tierney, Dan McCarthy and J.R. Marks, according to Broadwater Bygones, the authoritative history book of the county. The business operated until 1941 when McCarthy’s sons sold the contents and closed it.
Caroline and Justin Nelson decided to dip into a brick-and-mortar store after operating their business Little Creek Feed for five years from their ranch just off Litening Barn Road near Toston. The store offers a little of everything, including their own ranch-raised beef and lamb in specialty cuts. “If customers want just a couple of steaks or a package of lamb chops, they have it available right here,” she said.
Caroline sells and ships the meat cuts all over the United States. Passionate about offering local food, Caroline stocks local eggs, Kamut flour, gluten-free flour and many gift items, such as sheep milk soaps and candles.
Nelsons will focus on specialty feeds for cattle and will deliver large orders. They have straw, hay squares and horse hay available. Caroline explained they wanted more options for livestock supply.
Nelsons’ courtship and marriage are special as well. They met in front of the former Rocky Mountain Supply when Caroline was on a Richtmyer dude cattle drive some years ago. A Reading, Pennsylvania girl, Caroline fell in love with Montana life, and with Justin, along with all Montana had to offer. They now have a three-month-old son.
The driving force behind opening the Mercantile is Cassie Cooper of C Hangin’ C, the anchor business of Townsend Mercantile. The Winston woman bought Canyon Ferry Mercantile and the Creamery take-out food business in 2022 from Gayle Watson and Kwincy Tartarka. They operated the shop at the Train Station location on North Front Street. She and Jessica originally opened a shop in Dillon, but it has since closed.
Cassie explained she wanted a place close to Broadway but still on Front Street, and close to Townsend’s swimming pool. “This location finally opened up so everything just kind of fell in place,” she said.
She and Caroline had worked together previously selling the handmade silk scarves she makes. When Caroline heard Cassie was opening the former Rocky Mountain Supply location, Caroline and her husband were interested.
Cassie’s handmade neck scarves and gift selection round out the merchandise in the new location. The specialty store features various Montana-made gifts including clothing for children, hats, homemade soap and unusual gift items.
Cassie had a passion for sewing and a true desire to start her own business. Her drive has resulted in a new and exciting outlet for Broadwater County residents to shop. She and her husband Leroy are parents of five grown children.
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 1 Caption: A tourist couple enjoy eating treats from The Creamery, a new business at the Townsend Mercantile on Front Street.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 2 Caption: Caroline and Justin Nelson in front of the cooler mural, a Kelly Morris photograph of Baldy and surrounding areas.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 3 Caption: Jessica Hanson and customer Amanda Costello look over handmade pieces at JR Jewelry.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 4 Caption: Townsend Mercantile owner Cassie Cooper displays some of her unique items for sale.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
