Calamity Traditional Cache

This cache is located on private property, with permission from the owner. It's also the site of one of Billings' oldest structures: the L&L Building. It is accessible during the day or night but if night caching use common sense and caution. Also, this is an old structure so please do not pick at the brick, mortar or anything else attached to the building; there is no need to. It's placed, not attached. 

 Built in the late 1800s, the L&L Building has been a downtown fixture for nearly 150 years. Like Billings, the L&L has had a varied and sometimes colorful history. At the turn of the century, it was a boarding house, owned by Chinese immigrants, brothers Sam and Yee Lee. In fact, it was during that time that one of history’s more lively characters took up residence in the L&L, Calamity Jane. She followed construction of the railroad from Wyoming and by the 1890s, found herself a resident of Billings, MT.

In 1901, Calamity’s residency in the boarding house ended in a court battle in which she sued one of the Lee brothers for the contents of a trunk she said that he was keeping without her permission. Mr. Lee countered that the box was given to him as security for rent that Jane had yet to pay. The court sided with Mr. Lee and the trunk stayed with him.

Over the years the L&L played host to various businesses, including the now infamous Arcade Bar. During it's hayday, the Arcade was one of the more popular South Side watering holes for the area's rough and tumble. Sadly in the 1990s, or maybe not so, the Arcade closed it's doors.

For the next 10 years, the L&L remained vacant, falling into neglect and decay until in 2005 she was restored. For the next decade or so, she was known as the location of downtown's only Subway Sandwich shop. Now, however, the L&L is home to a law office and engineering firm. She sits at the corner of Minnesota Avenue and 27th street; a beautiful reminder of the history of this great city.