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

Edward Gay House

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2020

1. Edward Gay House Marker

Inscription. The Craftsman bungalow was brand new to Kalispell when Edward Gay built this beautifully finished home, a classic example of the style, in 1907. The Kalispell Journal reported that among the town’s new homes, the nearly completed Gay residence was “probably the prettiest.” Stylistic features include wide eaves with exposed and decoratively notched rafter tails, leaded glass, hipped dormers, and the use of varied exterior construction materials. The interior was masterfully crafted with exposed ceiling beams, mahogany trim, a dining room plate rail, and built-in china cabinet with leaded glass. Gay, president of the Kalispell Malting and Brewing Company, was remembered as a dapper man who drove a Model T, and the Gay family was one of the first in Kalispell to own a radio. For many years this splendid residence was the solitary occupant of five city lots. The Gays grew potatoes in their large garden and always donated them to the hospital and elsewhere. Edward Gay reputedly had a hidden room in the house, probably for the storage of alcohol during Prohibition, and it is said that bear traps were embedded in the

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foundation under the windows to keep out intruders. The graceful cast iron fence, one of the few left in Kalispell, is original to the property. A former resident recalls having to paint it as punishment for a missed curfew. Enhanced by mature landscaping, the home appears today as inviting as it did in 1907.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 48° 11.692′ N, 114° 19.223′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. It is on 5th Avenue West near 3rd Avenue West, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 236 5th Avenue West, 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

Edward Gay House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2020

2. Edward Gay House and Marker

The marker is on the right wall of the porch.

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: Ferguson House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Baber/Jaquette House (about 700 feet away); Waggener & Campbell Funeral Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); Boyd's Shop (approx. 0.2 miles away); 404 Second Avenue West (approx. ¼ mile away); Walker Residence (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lee/O'Neil House (approx. 0.3 miles away); West Side Historic District (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalispell.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 19, 2020

3. Edward Gay House and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 514 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 23, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.