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

McGovern/Karcher House

By Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

1. McGovern/Karcher House Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Irish-born Thomas McGovern built several homes for rental purposes as well as this splendid Queen Anne style residence for his own family. Constructed between 1899 and 1903, its distinctive turret has long been a neighborhood landmark. The mansard roof and porch of the back wing, added between 1903 and 1910, enhance its vintage appeal. Like most local families, the McGoverns took in boarders, advertising in 1902 a “beautiful front room, furnished at reasonable rates.” McGovern’s wife died in 1903 leaving seven children, but the family remained here until 1907. Next owner Mary Karcher also took in boarders, among them postal worker Chester Brintnall. He was instrumental in establishing Kalispell’s rural delivery routes and boarded with the Karchers from 1907 to 1925. The residence, later converted to apartments, is once again a well-cared for single home. Its ornamental shinglework, porch scrollwork, and stained glass are today a fine expression of tasteful Queen Anne style elegance.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic

McGovern/Karcher House and Marker image. Click for full size.

By Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

2. McGovern/Karcher House and Marker

lists: Architecture • Communications • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 48° 11.613′ N, 114° 18.528′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. Marker is on 2nd Avenue East near 6th Street East, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 546 2nd Avenue East, Kalispell MT 59901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dunsire House (a few steps from this marker); Iseminger/Graham House (within shouting distance of this marker); Houston/Parker House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Madison S. Love Residence (about 400 feet away); Laux House (about 500 feet away); Kalispell Mercantile Rental Property (about 500 feet away); Baldwin House (about 600 feet away); Simpson House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalispell.

Also see . . . McGovern/Karcher House -- Flathead Beacon. Corner houses, by their very location, often serve a greater purpose far beyond “house and home.” They
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serve as landmarks for those guided by “turn right at the brown house on the corner” or “we’re the driveway just after the house on the corner” and other means of giving directions (both good and bad). (Submitted on November 25, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 38 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 25, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.