Lou's Bench commemorates mayor and his love of Main Street

City workers drilled bolts into concrete last Tuesday, as they prepared to place a sturdy metal bench along Main Street, in front of the former Crow’s Nest Gallery.

The black bench bears a plaque commemorating Lou Marchello: “Come rain or shine, I will be right here sitting with you.”

It was actually snowing on Valentine’s Day, but those gathered to honor the former mayor, city commissioner and longtime business owner didn’t seem to mind. Least of all, Marchello’s wife, Irene, who sat wistfully on the bench honoring her late husband, who died April 19, 2022.

“I’m sorry you’re not here Lou,” she said. “But I hope you’re watching us – you’re here in spirit.”

“Lou was fun to know from my very first day in Polson,” said City Manager Ed Meece. “He was supportive of everything the city does, the city commission and downtown especially.”

Irene pointed across the street to the building now occupied by Navigator Travel Agency and said, “he started right there.”

Although Marcello’s gallery and frame shop moved around a bit during its 50 years, the business always had a home downtown.

“Main Street was a very, very important place to Lou,” said Irene. “He wanted all the businesses to thrive – he loved this town.”

Marcello was born in Red Lodge in 1943 and moved to Polson seven years after graduating from Montana State University. He purchased Don’s Variety Store in 1971, which marked the beginning of his half-century tenure on Main Street, and the start of his passion for picture framing.

He established the Crow’s Nest Gallery in 1982 and owned the gallery and frame shop for 40 years.

Marchello’s passion for Polson was reflected in his commitment to civic engagement. He served as Polson’s mayor and spent 14 years on the Polson City Commission, finishing his final term last January. He was also a past president of the Polson Chamber of Commerce, an active member of the Polson Business Community, chairman of the City-County Planning Board, and served on the board of the Mission Valley Animal Shelter. He belonged to the Elks, Kiwanis, and was a member of the Greater Polson Community Foundation.

“He was involved with so many boards, trying to make sure Main Street stayed alive,” said Irene.

“He wanted to revive downtown,” added Meece. “That was his goal. It’s great to have something here to commemorate him.”