Stevensville in Ravalli County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Calvin and Magdalene Cook House

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

1. Calvin and Magdalene Cook House Marker

Inscription. Calvin and Magdalene Cook came to Montana from Kansas in 1880 and settled near Stevensville. Like many early settlers, the Cooks’ intent was to farm. After more than a decade of farming, however, business opportunities in Stevensville beckoned and the family moved to town. In 1894, Calvin opened a transfer business, and in 1899 the Cooks became owners and managers of the Stevensville Hotel. Calvin added merchandising to his list of interests as partner in the Stevensville Trading Company. In 1910, the Cooks made plans to build a new home that would reflect their hard-earned success. Local architect Warren Roscoe Rodgers drew the plans for this beautiful residence, which provides a model example of the transition from Queen Anne to Classical Revival styles. Asymmetry of the roof line, ornate porch railings, and a two-story front bay reveal lingering Queen Anne elements fashionable in the late 1800s. A simple floor plan, classical Tuscan columns, and projecting portico reflect the emerging Revival style. Rodgers’ skillful use of concrete block, visible throughout Stevensville, is evident in the home’s decorative concrete

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block foundation. The residence passed to daughter Cora and husband John Emerson in 1930. It has since remained in the Cook family, a well-preserved, lasting tribute to these early settlers who put down roots in Montana.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Architecture • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 30.402′ N, 114° 5.64′ W. Marker is in Stevensville, Montana, in Ravalli County. It is at the intersection of Eastside Highway (Main Street) (State Highway 269) and Central Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Eastside Highway (Main Street). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 Eastside Highway, Stevensville MT 59870, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana,

in Glacier Country,

and in Greater Missoula.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 11, 2018

2. Calvin and Magdalene Cook House Marker

The marker is to the right of the house.

North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Baptist Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Denayer House (about 800 feet away); Porter & Buck Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); First State Bank Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Mary's Mission Historic District (approx. ¼ mile away); Saint Mary's Mission (approx. ¼ mile away); Henry Buck/Stevensville Trading Co (approx. ¼ mile away); Thorton Building (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stevensville.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 283 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 18, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.