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

Houtz House

West Side Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

1. Houtz House Marker

Inscription. Pioneer newspaperman George M. Houtz was the first owner of this stately Italianate style home, built in 1899. Houtz, who had learned the printing trade in Illinois and founded a newspaper in South Dakota, came to Montana in 1891. He and a partner established a newspaper in nearby Demersville. That town was soon abandoned in favor of the new town of Kalispell, and Houtz moved his paper here. Houtz and his wife, Irene, built their new home in 1899 on the very outskirts of town. Spring Creek ran through the back of the property and the neighborhood was sparsely populated. When stonemason Mike Greig finished laying the foundation of native rock, Houtz’s newspaper, the Flathead Herald-Journal, declared it a “splendid piece of work.” The low-pitched roof, gabled dormer, wide bracketed eaves, and arched window are hallmarks of the elegant Italianate style. Fancy wood shinglework complements the clapboard sheathing. The entry porch is remarkably intact with its Tuscan columns and denticulated cornice. Hardwood floors and much of the original woodwork preserve the home’s interior vintage appeal. During the 1930s, the

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city diverted Spring Creek, and the spacious home, like many in Kalispell, was divided into apartments. Once again a single-family residence, this fine turn-of-the- twentieth-century home stands out among its more recent neighbors.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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

Location. 48° 11.357′ N, 114° 19.096′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. It is on 5th Avenue West near 8th Street West, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 822 5th 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.

Houtz House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

2. Houtz House and Marker

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: Yanicke House (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Arthur L. Johnson Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sundelius House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hegranes House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Metcalf House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lee/O'Neil House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tetrault House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ripke House (approx. ¼ mile 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 249 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 28, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.