Great Falls in Cascade County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
305 Third Avenue North
Northside Residential Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2019
1. 305 Third Avenue North Marker
Inscription.
305 Third Avenue North. Northside Residential Historic District. A graceful wraparound porch with square posts, a central entry beneath a projecting gable, and transomed windows distinguish this charming vernacular example of the Greek Revival style. Inside, a rounded hall ceiling adds lovely period elegance. The single-story frame dwelling beautifully illustrates the Greek Revival style in transition. This popular architectural form evolved from the mid-1800s into the twentieth-century gable-front- and-wing, the nation’s most popular form of folk housing. Great Falls pioneer realtor Matthew Dunn purchased the property in 1888, built the home soon after, and was the first occupant. A succession of other early residents included the David Craig family who, along with five boarders, were tenants in 1900. Prominent pioneer attorney James W. Speer and his wife, Grace, owned the property circa 1907 to 1910. Grace taught piano while her husband built his law practice and served as county attorney in 1908 and 1909. He was later elected mayor (1911- 1913), state senator (1923 and 1925) and district judge (1948-1956). The Speers’ household in 1910 included their two small children, Grace’s mother, a brother-in-law, and two servants.
A graceful wraparound porch with square posts, a central entry beneath a projecting gable, and transomed windows distinguish this charming vernacular example of the Greek Revival style. Inside, a rounded hall ceiling adds lovely period elegance. The single-story frame dwelling beautifully illustrates the Greek Revival style in transition. This popular architectural form evolved from the mid-1800s into the twentieth-century gable-front- and-wing, the nation’s most popular form of folk housing. Great Falls pioneer realtor Matthew Dunn purchased the property in 1888, built the home soon after, and was the first occupant. A succession of other early residents included the David Craig family who, along with five boarders, were tenants in 1900. Prominent pioneer attorney James W. Speer and his wife, Grace, owned the property circa 1907 to 1910. Grace taught piano while her husband built his law practice and served as county attorney in 1908 and 1909. He was later elected mayor (1911- 1913), state senator (1923 and 1925) and district judge (1948-1956). The Speers’ household in 1910 included their two small children, Grace’s mother, a brother-in-law, and two servants.
Erected by The Montana National Register Sign Program.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
Location. 47° 30.523′ N, 111° 18.122′ W. Marker is in Great Falls, Montana, in Cascade County. Marker is on 3rd Avenue North near 3rd Street North, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 3rd Avenue North, Great Falls MT 59401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
