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

Ford Residence

East Side Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

1. Ford Residence Marker

Inscription. Stockman and real estate developer James A. Ford arrived in Kalispell with the Great Northern Railway in 1891. In 1898, he built a two-story business block at the corner of First and Main. On the second floor was a rooming house, where he lived with his two sisters. In 1923, the siblings moved into this fine Craftsman style residence, where Ford made his home until his death in 1934. The stylish home provided the Fords with ample living space; among other amenities, each of the five bedrooms boasts a walk-in closet. The home’s design closely resembles that of a mail-order house, “the Vincennes,” sold by Montgomery Ward and Co. Montgomery Ward was one of several companies that sold house plans and supplied precut lumber and other material for builders to quickly assemble on site. The Vincennes’ classic Craftsman style features include its wide overhanging eaves, exposed rafter tails, bracketed cornices, multi-pane windows, and full-length front porch. Clustered columns supporting the broad porch beam provide the design’s most striking feature, adding elegance and dignity to the inviting front facade.

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Historical Society.

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

Location. 48° 11.496′ N, 114° 18.583′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. It is on 1st Avenue East near 7th Street East, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 728 1st 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: Leslie-Dodge House (within shouting distance of this marker); Bardon House (within shouting

Ford Residence and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

2. Ford Residence and Marker

distance of this marker); J.E. Rockwood House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Simpson House (about 400 feet away); Laux House (about 400 feet away); Ragsdale House (about 600 feet away); Iseminger/Graham House (about 600 feet away); Alward House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalispell.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Courthouse Historic District (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Ford Residence image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

3. Ford Residence

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 193 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 26, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.