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

Ripke House

West Side Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

1. Ripke House Marker

Inscription. While most of Montana lost population during the 1930s, Kalispell grew dramatically as people migrated from areas hard hit by drought and economic depression. Contractors like Herbert Yeaw, who built this one-story, wood-sided home, filled the city’s vacant lots with small residences to accommodate the influx. Constructed in 1939, the interior of this practical residence includes built-in nooks and archways, typical of Kalispell homes of the era. It also has an attached garage, distinguishing it from its older neighbors. The first garages were converted barns or carriage houses. By the teens, most “modern” homes had detached garages at the rear of their lots, though that was changing. As one architectural critic commented in 1919, “putting a garage in a house may sound like a joke, but it is not.” Only after World War II did the style become commonplace. Francis and Ethel Ripke purchased the residence in 1940. Francis moved to Kalispell in 1903 and served as deputy sheriff for many years. He died at home in 1960; Ethel continued to live here until 1973.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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

Location. 48° 11.422′ N, 114° 18.825′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. It is at the intersection of 2nd Avenue West and 8th Street West, on the left when traveling south on 2nd Avenue West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 805 2nd Avenue West, 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: Pearce House (within shouting distance of this

Ripke House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

2. Ripke House and Marker

The marker is behind the picket fence.

marker); Hegranes House (within shouting distance of this marker); Jones House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Arthur L. Johnson Residence (about 400 feet away); Yanicke House (about 500 feet away); Rostad House (about 500 feet away); Metcalf House (about 500 feet away); Elmer Sonstelie Residence (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalispell.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 28, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.