Missoula in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

John R. Toole House

(Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority House)

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2019

1. John R. Toole House Marker

Inscription. Full-length Doric columns make a bold architectural statement, drawing the eye to this imposing neoclassical style home. Butte architect J. F. Everett drew upon the style popularized following the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition. The 1902 residence, built for industrialist John R. Toole, retains its original symmetry and classical ornamentation despite three additions. Fanlights above the main entry, a three-part “Palladian” window, and a covered colonnaded terrace recall the time when this was the gracious home of a prominent family. John Toole served in the territorial and state legislatures and was later president of copper king Marcus Daly’s bank and his Missoula-based milling company. But home was the center of Toole’s affections and a grand one it was. Twelve- foot ceilings, pocket doors, oak columns, and seven fireplaces of imported tile support the notion, according to Toole’s biography, that “there was not a more attractive fireside in Montana.” In 1931 Toole’s widow, Anna, sold the home to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association. A number of the Tooles’ descendants are among the Kappas who have subsequently

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called this house their college home.

Erected by Montana National Register Sign Program.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 46° 51.701′ N, 113° 59.771′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It is on Gerald Avenue near Connell Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1005 Gerald Avenue, Missoula MT 59801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Western Montana

and in Glacier Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in 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: John M. Keith House

John R. Toole House (Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority House) and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2019

2. John R. Toole House (Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority House) and Marker

The marker is next to the bush on the right.

(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 140 University Avenue (about 500 feet away); Greenhood Residence (about 700 feet away); 315 Daly (about 700 feet away); Charles C. Brothers Residence (about 700 feet away); Church of the Holy Spirit (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frank A. Roberts Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); 128 South Sixth Street (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Missoula.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 609 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 8, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.