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

Cornelius Hedges School

East Side Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

1. Cornelius Hedges School Marker

Inscription. Kalispell architect Fred Brinkman, whose versatility is evident in many local buildings, designed this 1929 elementary school in a style reminiscent of the colonial mansions and homesteads of Maryland and Virginia. The original “open plan” was intended to allow a maximum of sunlight and fresh air into all classrooms and halls. An open-air porch and twin chimneys enhanced the “homelike façade” while interior domestic features included a library with beamed ceilings and fireplace. In the kindergarten room, a cozy fireplace and alcove with miniature inglenook seats added to the homey atmosphere. South Side School, as it was originally called, was the first in Kalispell to have its own gymnasium, which it shared with junior high school students during the 1930s. Built by B. B. Gilliland of Kalispell for $96,000, the school was paid for by bonds. In 1940, South Side School was renamed for Cornelius Hedges, the territorial superintendent of schools, who came to be known as the “father of education” in Montana.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.

Location. 48° 11.492′ N, 114° 18.274′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. It is on 4th Avenue East near 8th Street East, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 827 4th 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: Sawyer House (within shouting distance of this marker); King House (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Good Residence (about 500 feet away, measured

Cornelius Hedges School and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

2. Cornelius Hedges School and Marker

The marker is to the left of the entrance.

in a direct line); Kolle/Sherman House (about 500 feet away); Fry House (about 500 feet away); Stuart House (about 500 feet away); Graham House (about 700 feet away); Dr. Albert Brassett Residence (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalispell.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

3. Cornelius Hedges School Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 365 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 24, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.