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

Pierce Residence

West Side Historic District

By Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

1. Pierce Residence Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The unusual architecture of this front-gabled vernacular style residence, built by Alfred Pierce in 1901, sets it apart from its neighbors. One of the first homes built in the neighborhood, it was considered a fairly expensive home at $2,400. Peterson was proprietor of the Somers Hack Line, and moved to Somers in 1907. The home then had a variety of tenants between 1909 and 1920, including an ice dealer, a teamster, and one of the proprietors of the City Transfer and Coal Company. Most notable, however, was Kalispell architect Marion Riffo, who lived here with his family circa 1915. William J. Pierce, a decorator and painter, moved in with his family in 1920. Pierce briefly moved to California and returned to buy the home in 1923; the Pierce family lived here for a decade. The turn-of-the century home features a distinctive clipped gable roof, projecting shed dormers, and ample porches. The upstairs front doorway likely once led to a finished second-story porch.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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

Pierce Residence and Marker image. Click for full size.

By Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

2. Pierce Residence and Marker

• Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 48° 11.541′ N, 114° 18.792′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. Marker is on 1st Avenue West near 6th Street West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 614 1st Avenue West, 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. 610 1st Avenue West (a few steps from this marker); Rostad House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); McAllester House (about 300 feet away); West Side Historic District (about 400 feet away); First Presbyterian Church (about 400 feet away); Elmer Sonstelie Residence (about 400 feet away); Walker Residence (about 400 feet away); Jones House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalispell.

Also see . . . Riffo/Pierce Residence -- Flathead Beacon. The house was built in 1901 and for much of its early history, it was home to more than a few tenants at a time. Perhaps the most recognizable among them was Marion B. Riffo — one of Kalispell’s prominent early architects. Riffo designed
Paid Advertisement
Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.
high schools and hospitals, and structures of all sorts in between. Arguably, his residency here must have influenced his work (even if in ways we’ll never know). (Submitted on November 27, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 39 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 27, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.