Kalispell in Flathead County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Kalispell Mercantile Rental Property

East Side Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2020

1. Kalispell Mercantile Rental Property Marker

Inscription. Constructed between 1899 and 1903, this charming American foursquare cottage features a front gable with ornamental shingle work, front windows with decorative muntins, original front door, and decorative scrollwork spanning the front porch. The garage at the rear was built in 1929 with patented steel corners with locks and sidewalls that came assembled without the use of nails. It is of primary significance as the first prefabricated building the Superior Lumber Company of Columbia Falls erected in Kalispell. A growing population demanded housing, and Kalispell businessmen responded by constructing numerous rental homes. The home had a series of early owners and tenants. From 1911 to 1931, the Kalispell Mercantile owned the property. Among the many diverse occupants were John O’Connor, superintendent of the Northern Idaho and Montana Power Company (1905 to 1913), auto mechanic Ralph Pike (1917 to 1928) and Reverend Walter Sandy of the Central Christian Church (1930). Owners carefully refurbished the house in 1999.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in

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these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 48° 11.691′ N, 114° 18.537′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. It is on 2nd Avenue East near 4th Street East, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 419 2nd Avenue East, Kalispell MT 59901, 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: Baldwin House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); McGovern/Karcher House (about 500 feet away);

Kalispell Mercantile Rental Property and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2020

2. Kalispell Mercantile Rental Property and Marker

Dunsire House (about 500 feet away); Carnegie Library (about 500 feet away); Madison S. Love Residence (about 500 feet away); City Water Department (about 600 feet away); Houston/Parker House (about 600 feet away); Charles and Carrie March Residence (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalispell.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 385 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.