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.
Ford Residence. East Side Historic District. 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.
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.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture •
Location. 48° 11.496′ N, 114° 18.583′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. Marker 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.
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 80 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 26, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
