Thompson Falls in Sanders County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

Ainsworth House

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 8, 2022

1. Ainsworth House Marker

Inscription. In 1910, the newly incorporated town of Thompson Falls was shedding its frontier image. That year saw the organization of local power and water companies, the opening of a public library, and the construction of the town’s first Bungalow style residences. These fine new homes, proclaimed a “credit to Missoula or Spokane,” added a new dimension to the architectural landscape. One outstanding example is this 1910 carpenter-built Bungalow style home constructed from a pattern book for prominent attorney Auburn S. Ainsworth. Square columns, a full-width front porch, over-scaled wooden brackets, wide overhanging eaves, and a slight flair at the foundation reflect elements of the style. A white quartz mantle flanked by glassed-in cabinets, stained and leaded glass cabinets built into columns separating the music and living rooms, and built-in window seats reveal exquisite interior finishing. This stylish dwelling, which once boasted a fountain on the broad front lawn, well reflects the wealth of its first owner. A very shrewd and clever lawyer, Ainsworth long served as town attorney and argued some notorious cases. He once persuaded

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

a client accused of murder to be a horse and cavort on the lawn of the old County Building. The ruse worked and the client was declared insane.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 47° 35.651′ N, 115° 21.023′ W. Marker is in Thompson Falls, Montana, in Sanders County. It is at the intersection of Maiden Lane and South Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling east on Maiden Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 911 Maiden Lane, Thompson Falls MT 59873, 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

Ainsworth House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 8, 2022

2. Ainsworth House and Marker

the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sanders County Jail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ward Hotel (about 600 feet away); Randolph Hoyt House (approx. ¼ mile away); Bedard House (approx. ¼ mile away); 102 Park Street (approx. ¼ mile away); Weber's Store (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Thompson Playground (approx. 0.3 miles away); Thompson Falls Hydroelectric Dam District (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thompson Falls.

Ainsworth House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 8, 2022

3. Ainsworth House

Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2023, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 163 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 2, 2023, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.