Page 38 - Flathead Beacon // 3.12.14

38 | MARCH 12, 2014 REAL ESTATE
FLATHEADBEACON.COM

LANDMARKS
611 Second Ave. E., Kalispell
Iseminger/Graham House

one thing was made to look like another for the sake of
By JAIX CHAIX
fashion and style.

“Style” and “category” are not friends. The former Several members of the Iseminger family helped
tries to outdo the latter – while the latter tries to keep run the business, and also lived in the home for several
the status quo. And despite their similarities and oc- years. In 1923, the Isemingers sold the home to John
casional agreement, theirs is a tumultuous relation- and Elsie Graham. The style of the home, with its na-
ship, one that often yields confusion for everyone else tionalistic tendencies, likely had a particular appeal to
around them.
John, who was a navy veteran of WWI.
And so it is for the Iseminger/Graham House at 611 John operated a furniture and appliance store. And

Second Ave. E. in Kalispell. At irst, the home seems the Grahams raised their son in the home as well. Both
to it quite nicely into the category of “Craftsman” or the elder Grahams remained in the home until their
“Bungalow.” However, in many ways, the house is more passing: Elsie passed away in 1955, and John remained
representative of the “Colonial Revival Style” (so much in the home until he passed away in 1967, leaving be-
for style and category pretending to get along).
hind a legacy of more than 44 years in the same resi-
The 1877 Philadelphia Centennial is often cited PHOTO BY JAIX CHAIX
dence.
as the inspiration for a renewed interest in American It’s a legacy that its neatly into the categories of
colonial architecture. And by the early 20th-century, 1909.
“thrift” and “well-kept” – which we can all appreciate,

when this home was built, the style was becoming pop- Incidentally, the Iseminger’s owned The Men’s
especially when it comes to a landmark, historic home.
ular, along with a growing sense of nationalistic pride.
Fashion Shop in Kalispell, a place where style and cat-
Some of the hallmarks of the Colonial Revival style egory mattered more perhaps than elsewhere. The Is-
found on the exterior of the home include simple archi- emingers were clever advertisers, and often used in- Jaix Chaix is a writer who appreciates history and
tectural lines; a strict sense of symmetry; and plain de- triguing tactics for their advertisements.
architecture. You can share ideas and historical facts
tails, such as unsophisticated clapboard siding. Other For example, one of their ads, in explaining their of- with him at [email protected]. Also visit
stylistic elements found here include a centered en- ferings and service, used various type settings and siz- facebook.com/latheadvalleylandmarks

trance, a porch with classical columns, and modest, es to make one thing look like another: to wit, “it might
dentil trim under the roof eaves.
seem to you that a MAD-MAN had been plunging on Take the “Historic Homes of Kalispell” Course
In 1908, Halbert and Marilla Iseminger sold their the clothing market ... generous sized BITES have been This April, Jaix will teach a course about “Landmarks”
rural farm, moved into town and purchased this home, made of the regular prices...we believe in conserva- and historic homes of Kalispell at Flathead Valley
which was a ine example of a popular and proud style. tion. So do Messrs. TAFT WILSON and ROOSEVELT.” Community College. Read more in the FVCC
Soon the extended Iseminger family had resided at Despite appearances, at irst glance, a mad-man did not Community Education Classes brochure, call
the home, notably Halbert Jr., who owned the home in
bite Presidents Taft, Wilson, or Roosevelt – although
(406) 756-3832 or enroll online at fvcc.edu.

FLOOR SPACE By Georgia Christianson

What You Can Buy for About $150,000

NEXT WEEK: $200,000

BIGFORK
KALISPELL
COLUMBIA FALLS
WHITEFISH

31152 S. Ferndale Dr.
420 Kelly Rd.
530 Seventh Ave. W.
3840 Big Mountain Rd.

PRICE: $139,000
PRICE: $139,900
PRICE: $155,900
PRICE: $159,000
WHAT: Four-bedroom, one-bath home
WHAT: Three-bedroom, one-bath home
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home WHAT: Two-bedroom, one-bath condo

SQUARE FEET: 2,122
SQUARE FEET: 1,050
SQUARE FEET: 2,000
SQUARE FEET: 844
This cute log home sits on more than This three-bedroom home has updated This great starter home has inished Enjoy easy ski-in, ski-out access and a
1 acre in an ideal location. It features looring, an open kitchen/dining area basement with two additional rooms. It quick walk to the village on Big Moun-

two bedrooms and two bonus rooms and a fenced backyard. Glacier Real also has a large fenced yard with views tain. This was recently updated and
upstairs and a two-car garage. Estate of Montana
of Glacier National Park. RE/MAX includes new furniture and a brand-
Glacier Sotheby’s International Realty
MLS #: 324924
American Dream Properties, Inc.
new kitchen. Trails West Real Estate
MLS #: 324601
MLS #: 323730
MLS #: 324476

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