Page 32 - Flathead Beacon // 1.15.13

32 | JANUARY 15, 2014
REAL ESTATE
FLATHEADBEACON.COM

LANDMARKS
545 Second Ave. E., Kalispell

Dunsire House

Ritchie, Andrew’s nephew, and other boarders and
By JAIX CHAIX
guests. The couple was also generous with their time,

People who live in small homes tend to have big money, and eforts outside the home, and both Mr. and
hearts. That helps explain why there’s a lot more to a Mrs. Dunsire participated in many civic-minded orga-
“landmark” home than just grandeur or d́cor. Taking nizations.
a look at the Dunsire House at 545 Second Ave. E. in For example, Mr. Dunsire served as the Flathead
Kalispell can provide a little perspective on this theory.
County assessor from 1897 through 1904. He also served
The home was originally owned as a rental property the Kalispell Volunteer Fire Department, and held the
by Isabelle and David Sturtevant. It was built between position of secretary in that organization. He was also

1891 and 1894 (the record books aren’t too precise and an accomplished tenorist and sang at many weddings,
list it is an “Old Style” home). However, with a full front funerals, church ceremonies and other events.
porch, columns, a bay window, and a front-facing dor- While forging a legacy of their own, the Dunsire’s
mer, the home has many stylish appointments of the seemed to never have forgotten their Scottish heritage.
late Victorian era. And with two bedrooms and one PHOTO BY JAIX CHAIX
Reminders from Scotland would grace their home, and
bath, the home ofered ample space, without forsaking even were used as gifts, such as Scottish heather that
economy.
in one capacity or another throughout his life.
somehow found its way into a bride’s bouquet and oth-
In 1900, the home would assume its namesake and Yet in forging a new life in a new land, Dunsire did er gift arrangements made by the subtle hand of Mrs.

a legacy when Mr. Andrew Dunsire and his wife Isabel- not forsake his past. He never forgot his childhood Dunsire’s thoughtful grace on more than one occasion.
la purchased it.
sweetheart, Isabella Ritchie. When she left Bishopmill, After years of marriage, and serving the communi-
Mr. Dunsire was born in Methilhill, Fifeshire, Scot- Elgin, Elginshire, Scotland and arrived at the train ty, Andrew Dunsire passed away in 1947, while Isabella
land. Growing up in a coastal town probably helped station in Missoula, he met her there – and the couple
remained in the family home until her passing in 1952,
make it easier for him to immigrate to the Flathead went straight to the Episcopal Church to get married. at the age of 93.
Valley on May 23, 1888. He found work as the assistant The Dunsires later made this cozy house their In their lifetime, they packed this modest home full
post master at Ashley (a bygone town, now part of Ka- home for more than 50 years. Incidentally, they cel- with a legacy of life and love – one that could barely it

lispell) and later as a clerk in a general store.
ebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the home. in a home twice the size.
He then became a purser on the “Crescent” steam- It was an occasion when the “tiny house” swelled with
boat, which plied the waters of Flathead Lake between lowers, telegrams and friends old and new who came
Polson and the once-upon-a-time town of Demersville, to visit the Dunsires – one of the most respected and
Jaix Chaix is a writer who appreciates history and
and points in between. A purser is responsible for two appreciated couples of their day.
architecture. You can share ideas and historical facts
things that seem to it Dunsire’s personality: looking Despite the modest living space, the Dunsires still
with him at [email protected]. Also visit
after people; and handling money – as he would do both
made room to accommodate Isabella’s sister, Agnes
facebook.com/latheadvalleylandmarks

FLOOR SPACE By Georgia Christianson

What You Can Buy for About $500,000

NEXT WEEK: $100,000

COLUMBIA FALLS
KILA
KALISPELL
WEST GLACIER

100 Olson Ct.
257 Hodge Creek Dr.
456 Orchard Ridge Rd.
1004 Belton Stage

PRICE: $475,000
PRICE: $487,500
PRICE: $489,000
PRICE: $565,000

WHAT: Three-bedroom, three-bath
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home
WHAT: Four-bedroom, four-bath home
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home
home
SQUARE FEET: 2,715
SQUARE FEET: 4,166
SQUARE FEET: 1,728

SQUARE FEET: 2,670
Enjoy solitude and stunning views from This spacious home sits on 5 acres and Bring your toys to this amazing prop-
This incredible custom home sits on 6.5 this inviting log-sided home on more features stunning views. It includes
erty near Lake Five. The home sits on
acres with amazing views. It features than 20 acres. It features loor-to-ceil- a barn and the home has granite about 5 acres and features extensive
an open living area, fenced pastures for ing windows and is just minutes from counters, tile loors, media room and landscaping and includes a garage/of-

horses, corrals and a barn. Trails West Ashley Lake. National Parks Realty
oversized attached garage. Montana ice with separate four-bay RV storage.
Real Estate Whiteish
MLS #: 324113
Brokers, Inc.
Windermere Whiteish, LLC
MLS #: 323972
MLS #: 324106
MLS #: 320386

If you would like your property listed in the Floor Space section,
please e-mail [email protected]. Entries are compiled by the What would 30 years of successful real-estate experience do for you?
Beacon staf and Georgia Christianson, Montana Brokers.
Call Georgia, a certiied residential specialist for a free one-hour consultation.