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.
Cornelius Hedges School. East Side Historic District. 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.
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 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.
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48° 11.492′ N, 114° 18.274′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. Marker 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.
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 137 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 24, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
