University Area in Missoula in Missoula County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Dildine House
University Area Historic District
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 7, 2022
1. Dildine House Marker
Inscription.
Dildine House. University Area Historic District. Architect A. J. Gibson, best known locally for his work on the Missoula Courthouse, designed this fashionable residence at the height of Queen Anne style. Built on two lots sometime before 1902, its defining features include an irregular roofline, asymmetrical façade, wooden turret, elegant front porch, and delicate spindlework. Gibson designed several other University District homes, including a neighboring Queen Anne at 206 South Fifth Street East. Fifth Street neighbors met in 1903 to initiate a landscaping plan, which included planting the Norway maples that still shade the block. Real estate speculation may have been the motive for this home’s construction at the start of a building boom that transformed this neighborhood into a well-to-do enclave. No evidence exists that its owner, builder and general contractor George Dildine, was ever in residence. Sold frequently in the early years, it was home to Northern Pacific Railroad engineer John Mason and his wife Martha in the 1920s and 1930s. Converted into a rooming house during the Depression, its condition deteriorated, but the residence has since been lovingly restored.
Architect A. J. Gibson—best known locally for his work on the Missoula Courthouse—designed this fashionable residence at the height of Queen Anne style. Built on two lots sometime before 1902, its defining features include an irregular roofline, asymmetrical façade, wooden turret, elegant front porch, and delicate spindlework. Gibson designed several other University District homes, including a neighboring Queen Anne at 206 South Fifth Street East. Fifth Street neighbors met in 1903 to initiate a landscaping plan, which included planting the Norway maples that still shade the block. Real estate speculation may have been the motive for this home’s construction at the start of a building boom that transformed this neighborhood into a well-to-do enclave. No evidence exists that its owner, builder and general contractor George Dildine, was ever in residence. Sold frequently in the early years, it was home to Northern Pacific Railroad engineer John Mason and his wife Martha in the 1920s and 1930s. Converted into a rooming house during the Depression, its condition deteriorated, but the residence has since been lovingly restored.
Erected by Montana Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings.
Location. 46° 51.91′ N, 113° 59.624′ W. Marker is in Missoula, Montana, in Missoula County. It is in the University Area. Marker is on South 5th Street East near Ronald Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 312 South 5th Street East, Missoula MT 59801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2023, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 42 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 27, 2023, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
