Kalispell in Flathead County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
McGovern/Karcher House
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020
1. McGovern/Karcher House Marker
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. McGoverns 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 Kalispells 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 lists: Architecture •
this page online
Location. 48° 11.613′ N, 114° 18.528′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. It 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.
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 Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
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
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020
2. McGovern/Karcher House and Marker
Flathead Beacon website entry
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Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 220 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 25, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
