Bozeman in Gallatin County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Susan Kirk Residence
Bon Ton Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 25, 2021
1. Susan Kirk Residence Marker
Inscription.
Susan Kirk Residence. Bon Ton Historic District. Optimistic Bozeman entrepreneurs John Dickerson, Walter Cooper, and Nelson Story (of cattle drive fame) platted the Park Addition in 1883. Despite the arrival of the Northern Pacific that year, the addition remained undeveloped until the late 1890s, when the economy rebounded from the Panic of 1893. Constructed circa 1897, this one-and-one-half-story residence is less grand than the mansions that personify the Bon Ton neighborhood. Nevertheless, the home makes good use of its corner lot with its “T”-shaped plan, bay window, and corner porch. Although later owners enclosed the two porches and attached a large apartment building to the west side, enough of the home’s original stylistic elements remain to evoke an earlier era. Simplified stickwork and shiplap siding covers the first story. In the gable ends, patterned shingles reflect the Queen Anne style’s emphasis on diverse wall textures. Early occupants included Susan Kirk, the widow of farmer Henry Kirk, who lived here between 1902 and 1915. In 1920, the residence was the town home of farmer Charles H. Russell, his wife Nannie, and their three grown children.
Optimistic Bozeman entrepreneurs John Dickerson, Walter Cooper, and Nelson Story (of cattle drive fame) platted the Park Addition in 1883. Despite the arrival of the Northern Pacific that year, the addition remained undeveloped until the late 1890s, when the economy rebounded from the Panic of 1893. Constructed circa 1897, this one-and-one-half-story residence is less grand than the mansions that personify the Bon Ton neighborhood. Nevertheless, the home makes good use of its corner lot with its “T”-shaped plan, bay window, and corner porch. Although later owners enclosed the two porches and attached a large apartment building to the west side, enough of the home’s original stylistic elements remain to evoke an earlier era. Simplified stickwork and shiplap siding covers the first story. In the gable ends, patterned shingles reflect the Queen Anne style’s emphasis on diverse wall textures. Early occupants included Susan Kirk, the widow of farmer Henry Kirk, who lived here between 1902 and 1915. In 1920, the residence was the town home of farmer Charles H. Russell, his wife Nannie, and their three grown children.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture •
Location. 45° 40.475′ N, 111° 2.527′ W. Marker is in Bozeman, Montana, in Gallatin County. Marker is on South 3rd Avenue near West Story Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 419 South 3rd Avenue, Bozeman MT 59715, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
