The Great Falls-Cascade County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission is excited to announce the annual commemorative Christmas ornament for 2025 is the Arvon Block! These numbered ornaments, designed by local artist Sheree Nelson, are available for $20 at the Planning and Community Development Department in the Civic Center, Great Falls Public Library, The History Museum, Cassiopeia Books, Dragonfly Dry Goods, and Mountain Colors Hand Painted Yarn. Proceeds support the preservation of historic places in Great Falls and Cascade County.
The Arvon Block was built in 1890 by Robert Vaughn, who was the first to register a ranch in Choteau County. (Before Cascade County was created, the Sun River Valley was part of Choteau County). After the death of his wife, Vaughn retired from ranching and moved to Great Falls. He built the Arvon, which housed the Axtell Stables on the east side and a hotel on the west, and he named it after his infant daughter Arvonia. By the 21st century, the building was in poor condition, but it was rehabilitated in 2013 and is now a landmark on the south side of Downtown Great Falls.
The Arvon ornament is the 18th in a series featuring historic places in Great Falls and Cascade County. Past ornaments have celebrated such iconic historic resources as the 10th Street Bridge, Fort Shaw, and the Belt Theater. Past ornaments can also be purchased through the Planning and Community Development Department.
Press release By City of Great Falls: November 26, 2025 – Great Falls, Mt
