About Us

Seven years ago, Linda and Eric Mickelson’s youngest daughter Karina got a volleyball scholarship to Montana Tech, and her parents became frequent Butte visitors. Now a Tech grad, Karina decided she liked Butte so much, she wasn’t leaving.

So, what do a mom and dad do? Buy a home in Butte one year, and the next year, open The Abode, which advertises “something for everyone under one roof.”

Linda’s not exaggerating — her shop, which opened in November 2022, carries gifts, home décor, jewelry, clothing, local art, African baskets, Mexican Talavera pottery, gourmet food items, scented candles, some impressive refurbished antiques, and more.

“I love to support women’s collectives,” said Linda, “but here you can find something for every member of the family.”

The parents of four daughters have plenty of experience in retail.

The couple got their start owning an Abode store right on the beach in San Clemente, California, which they sold to pursue the Butte location full time.

“Butte is my favorite,” said Linda, “mostly because the people here are great.”

Retail is not her only passion — women’s sports are high on the list as well. As a teen, she excelled at volleyball, basketball and track.

A 1976 high school graduate, Linda was named her high school’s athlete of the year. That accolade led to her becoming the first woman to receive an athletic scholarship to Southern Oregon State University.

The Mickelsons' future plans include investing in an indoor women & children’s volleyball/basketball facility in Butte.

“I want everyone to see The Abode as a happy place,” said Linda, “where people just like to hang out.”

(Thornton, Traci “New businesses brighten Butte’s future”, The Montana Standard, 25 Dec. 2022, https://mtstandard.com/news/local/new-businesses-brighten-butte-s-future/article_5cb59f9f-3367-5143-9928-01f815cced2a.html