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

Metcalf House

West Side Historic District

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

1. Metcalf House Marker

Inscription. Thomas E. Chester built this gable-front residence for his bride, Effie, in 1903. Chester’s bookstore, established in 1907, became a Kalispell fixture. John Boorman, secretary of the Montana Forestry Association from 1911 to 1946, lived here briefly in 1909. John T. Sauntry brought his bride, Agnes, to live in the home in 1910. Sauntry was owner and president of the Kalispell Business College. While in residence, the Sauntrys had a pair of rocking chairs—a wedding gift—stolen from the front porch. Longtime owner John Metcalf was county sheriff in 1919 when he purchased the home and later, as an engineer for the City Water Department, he designed Lawrence Park. His family retained ownership until 1964. With the exception of some remodeling at the rear, the appearance of this appealing residence is little altered. Notable interior features include beautiful oak floors, French glass doors, a cold storage room with an oak-planked dirt floor, and the original parlor wallpaper.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

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

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• Education • Law Enforcement • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list.

Location. 48° 11.483′ N, 114° 18.908′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. It is on 7th Street West near 3rd Avenue West, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 229 7th Street 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: Sundelius House (within shouting distance of this marker); Elmer Sonstelie Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Lee/O'Neil House (within shouting

Metcalf House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020

2. Metcalf House and Marker

The marker is on the front porch.

distance of this marker); McAllester House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Yanicke House (about 400 feet away); West Side Historic District (about 400 feet away); Walker Residence (about 500 feet away); Ripke House (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 29, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 329 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 29, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.