Page 36 - Flathead Beacon // 1.14.15

36 | JANUARY 14, 2015 REAL ESTATE FLATHEADBEACON.COM
LANDMARKS
North Somers Road, Somers
Porter Ranch Barn — Revisited
By JAIX CHAIX
Indeed, a landmark can mean different things for different people. For many, the Porter Ranch Barn (aka the “Blasdel Barn”) seems to be a forlorn heirloom of Flathead history (but still a great place to take gradua- tion and wedding photos).
Yet, for others, the barn is a reminder of deeds far more nefarious.
As mentioned in a previous Landmarks article (Sept. 10, 2014), the “big red barn” along North Somers Road in Somers was originally built in 1908 by Frank W. Porter, a successful businessman in the early 1900s.
Porter’s success blossomed as America became en- thralled with wealth and all things material. So when Porter held a hoedown on Aug. 29, 1908 to commemo- rate his building of the largest barn in the Flathead Val- ley, it was also a celebration of newfound prosperity – and a whitewash.
Some folks believed Porter needed such grand fa- çades and galas to hide behind – especially consid- ering his involvement in the “mysterious” death of Miss Susie O’Neil.
In 1906, Susie O’Neil came from Milwaukee to help her brother “Jack” O’Neil, who kept the butcher shop at Somers (the company town owned, operated, and ruled by John O’Brien). Miss O’Neil worked as a bookkeeper in the butcher shop for about four months before real- izing that her brother Jack had been implicated in the Somers stagecoach robbery.
Miss O’Neil began to investigate her brother’s inno-
PHOTO BY JAIX CHAIX
cence. And some perceived that she was close to discov- ering the truth of the matter – when she unexpectedly met Frank Porter.
On July 1, 1906, Miss O’Neil struck up a conversa- tion with Porter, took a short ride in his buggy – and insisted in her ensuing delight that Porter take her to Holt in the buggy. This was quite peculiar to many, as Miss O’Neil never met Porter before and never traded a word with him.
Porter tended a few errands, met his wife at home, and then traveled with Miss O’Neil to Holt, likely taking a few sips of his blackberry-flavored whis- key along the way.
Porter drank at the Holt Saloon while Miss O’Neil
visited someone nearby. As uneventful as their trip to Holt was, their return would prove most shocking.
So as not to bother the ferryman, Porter launched the river ferry at Holt by himself, as he had done several times before. The river was calm. Yet the horses were somehow startled – they bolted – and ran off the ferry plunging the buggy and Miss O’Neil into the river. Por- ter who was fortunately (if not curiously) unharmed, saw only the silhouette of Miss O’Neil’s dress as she sank to the bottom of the river.
A coroner’s inquisition regarding the drowning of Miss O’Neil was held a few days later. Porter testified he was the last person to see Miss O’Neil alive (although he had just met her the day before). Porter also testi- fied that Miss O’Neil gave her watch to him (although it would have been quite the odd gesture considering he was a married man). And Porter testified that he did not know what became of the $300 of butcher shop funds that Miss O’Neil had been holding (although, Porter was listed on her brother’s jail bond).
After the “mysterious” drowning of Miss Susie O’Neil, her body was shipped back East. Her brother faced unimaginable torment. And Frank W. Porter built this barn.
And much like the red barn paint, so too has the memory of this tragedy faded as well ...
FLOOR SPACE By Georgia Christianson
What You Can Buy for About $350,000
FLATHEAD VALLEY
By Jaix Chaix
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.
NEXT WEEK: $400,000
KALISPELL
BIGFORK
KALISPELL
COLUMBIA FALLS
136 Parkridge Dr.
625 Spruce Pl.
55 Kiplings Way
208 Webb Ln.
PRICE: $350,000
WHAT: Five-bedroom, three-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 3,036
This beautifully finished home in the Northland subdivision features an oversized attached double garage, new hardwood floors and an immaculately finished basement with recreation room. Trails West Real Estate/Lakeside
MLS #: 331358
PRICE: $359,000
WHAT: Three-bedroom, three-bath
home
SQUARE FEET: 1,700
This beautifully detailed home has an open floor plan, wood floors, granite counters, vaulted ceilings, fireplace and a master and guest suite. Near golf course with Flathead Lake access. National Parks Realty
MLS #: 330333
PRICE: $360,000
WHAT: Four-bedroom, four-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 3,000
This immaculate home sits on 3.78 acres and features wraparound deck and views in every direction. Located next to Plum Creek land with hiking, mountain biking and horse riding trails right out the front door. Keller Williams Realty Northwest Montana
MLS #: 330302
PRICE: $365,0000
WHAT: Four-bedroom, four-bath home SQUARE FEET: 3,113
This beautiful and well-maintained home sits on 1 acre and features amaz- ing mountain views. Home features bonus room and triple-car garage. RE/MAX of Whitefish
MLS #: 331122
If you would like your property listed in the Floor Space section, please e-mail [email protected]. Entries are compiled by the Beacon staff and Georgia Christianson, Montana Brokers.
What would 30 years of successful real-estate experience do for you?
Call Georgia, a certified residential specialist for a free one-hour consultation.