The Dreesen/Aker House, at 527 Second Ave. W. in Kalispell, seems pretty good at revealing little of its past.
In 1909, namesakes Albert and Emma Dreesen purchased the home. And much like the house itself, their name only hints at their heritage. Albert was born in Wesselburen, Germany and immigrated to the United States at age 14. His family arrived at Chicago, where Albert pursued the freedoms and fortune laid out before the dawn of the 20th century.
While the house may not tell you, Albert put in the effort to get here. Having studied English at night, after working most of the day, he heeded the call of the West. He made his way to Wolf Prairie, where he homesteaded for a bit. That is, after making his way from Chicago working as a hired-on farm hand along the way. Albert arrived in the Flathead Valley in 1901, and was considered a pioneer resident (although one of the last). Emma arrived in Kalispell in 1894 and was a resident until she passed away in 1962. She kept the house, and raised their two daughters Lillian and Amelia, while Albert kept busy with his endeavors. Perhaps driven by ambition, Albert became co-owner of the former Brewery Saloon, a place where men from open spaces and shadowed corners alike would come and go, having their fill in between.
Incidentally, the historical plaque refers to the Brewery Saloon as “a bowling alley” — somewhat of a misnomer; much like saying Flathead Lake is only good for taking a bath. Since 1892, the Brewery Saloon was a place of things delightful and dastardly, bold and bawdy. In 1919, by way of court order, Dreesen and his partner James Jorgenson became the owners of the saloon, changing its name to “The Palm.” To stay afloat during Prohibition, they sold fishing gear and smoking supplies. And yes, women were permitted entrance to the bowling alley upstairs, but only once a week, as it was very much a place that catered to gentleman’s entertainment.
Some years later, Dreesen owned the Kalispell Hotel building, a place much like The Palm in that it was frequented by locals, yet had many visitors from afar. Aside from business and family, the Dreesens pursued civic-minded endeavors, too. Albert was a life member of the Elks Lodge and Emma was a noted host. They also served the Neighbors of Woodcraft at Eagles Lodge, and daughter Lillian served as an officer of the organization in the 1950s. During their time in the home, the Dreesens also kept an important Flathead Valley tradition: they opened the home and accommodated family and guests for visits to Glacier National Park.
Nowadays, the stucco, the unique portico at the front peak, and other features inspired by an Art-Deco/Streamline-Moderne renovation hide the origins of this former single-story residence rather well. In 1937, having established themselves in the merchandising and grocery business, Forrest and Ethel Aker purchased the home. Ethel worked as an assistant manager of the former McCracken Store. Meanwhile Forrest established himself in the grocery business, and opened his own grocery about the time they purchased the house and transformed it with a remarkable renovation in a forward-thinking style.
Incidentally, Aker eventually kept his eponymous Aker’s Grocery at Second Ave. W.— back when “commuting” was measured by the block and the many grocery stores in Kalispell could be counted by the dozen. Indeed, much like the traditions and style of the house, things have changed.
Jaix Chaix is a columnist and author of Flathead Valley Landmarks and other local history books that are available for sale at the Flathead Beacon at 17 Main St. in Kalispell.