Kalispell in Flathead County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Lee/O'Neil House
West Side Historic District
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020
1. Lee/O'Neil House Marker
Rural families who valued education faced a dilemma when their children graduated from the local one-room school. Many students simply ended their studies after eighth grade. A lucky few, like Mercedes Lee, moved into town for the winter to attend high school. Some came alone and boarded with Kalispell families; Mercedes came with her parents, Hamilton and Martha Lee, whose older children cared for their Milk River ranch during the winter. In 1906, the Lees completed this seven-room home, conveniently located two blocks from the new county high school, which graduated its first class in 1902. Wide eave returns, a full-length front porch, a pedimented entry, and clapboard siding add character to the Colonial Revival style residence. Because of its location, the house retained its connection to education long after Mercedes graduated from high school. In 1930, printer Ernest ONeil lived here with his wife, Frieda, their four children, and two female boarders, both of whom were teachers.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture
this page online
Location. 48° 11.508′ N, 114° 18.951′ W. Marker is in Kalispell, Montana, in Flathead County. It is on 3rd Avenue West near 6th Street West, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 617 3rd 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 Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Metcalf House (within shouting distance of this marker); Sundelius House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elmer Sonstelie Residence (about 300 feet away); West Side Historic District
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 20, 2020
2. Lee/O'Neil House and Marker
The marker is to the right of the stairs, behind the bush.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 203 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 29, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
