Page 38 - Flathead Beacon // 4.2.14

38 | APRIL 2, 2014
REAL ESTATE
FLATHEADBEACON.COM

LANDMARKS
820 Third Ave. W., Kalispell
The Ross House

kept “a place in town” so their children could attend
By JAIX CHAIX
school during the “of season” and rented it during the

summer.
Oftentimes, what makes a “landmark” home a
Some parents sold their farms – and their way of life landmark is plain to see. Whether it’s a fancy façade or
– to move into town so their children could continue Victorian vernacular, the style – and historical signii-
schooling. Nowadays, we have the era of “No Child Left cance – of such homes may be striking, or obvious.
Behind.” Back then, some children were just plain left However, when it comes to certain homes, their
out. Education was perishable.
signiicance may be more diicult to see (even when
And education was cut short for many children, squinting). And for some homes, their importance may

particularly those without means to board at a place be nearly lost among things “erstwhile” and “bygone.”
such as the Ross House or the other neighborhood The Ross House, at 820 Third Ave. W. in Kalispell, is
homes that were also rented out for students and their a bit of both. Overall, it’s a ine example of moderation
families.
in the “roaring ‘20s” – a modest house with a charming
The next time you drive along Third Avenue West, vernacular style built between 1920 and 1927.
appreciate the Ross House for its clever-yet-stylish For example, it’s not precisely a cross-gabled Crafts- PHOTO BY JAIX CHAIX
economy. And while education can seem ethereal (es- man, but something of a similar “cross-dormered” con- The home is the namesake of Lynn Ross and his
pecially since we may not see enough of it), try to ap- struction, one that adds living space and style without wife Isabel. In 1928, they rented the home from Mrs.

preciate the Ross House for its harder-to-see legacy: its forsaking economy.
Emma Gregg, who owned the home during the 1920s.
place in helping to educate a generation in the Flathead.
The home also features a full-length front porch. In 1930, Mr. and Mrs. Ross, along with their two
“Front porch homes” were quite a luxury, yet the Ross daughters, did something that may seem quite strange
House exempliies style and economy. Notice the porch nowadays: they shared the home with 16-year-old
Jaix Chaix is a writer who appreciates history and railings (with the spindles squared at the top and bot- boarder Helen Froese so she could attend the nearby
architecture. You can share ideas and historical facts tom) give the illusion of a denticulated balustrade or Flathead County High School.
with him at [email protected]. Also visit dentil molding that typically adorn the cornices of At the time, many students attended a rural school

facebook.com/latheadvalleylandmarks
more boastful residences.
up to the eighth grade. So for a child to continue their
Likewise, the stamped concrete block mimics the studies, a family would have to make boarding ar-
Take the “Historic Homes of Kalispell” Course
far more costly stone foundations of larger, more ex- rangements or move closer to a high school, which was
This April, Jaix will teach a course about “Landmarks” pensive homes as well.
typically located “in town.”
and historic homes of Kalispell at Flathead Valley And while the stylistic details and appointments of Many parents throughout the Flathead Valley faced
Community College. Read more in the FVCC the home may take a minute or two to spot, the histori- a similar dilemma. Some sent their children to board
Community Education Classes brochure, call cal signiicance of the home may seem even less obvi- in town, as was likely the case with Ms. Froese. Others
(406) 756-3832 or enroll online at fvcc.edu.
ous.
managed their farm operations as best they could, and

FLOOR SPACE By Georgia Christianson

What You Can Buy for About $300,000
NEXT WEEK: $350,000

BIGFORK
KALISPELL
WHITEFISH
COLUMBIA FALLS

180 Vista Bay
2616 Mission Trail Way
222 Granite Dr.
109 Adobe Dr.

PRICE: $285,000
PRICE: $289,000
PRICE: $295,000
PRICE: $315,000

WHAT: Two-bedroom, two-bath condo
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home WHAT: Five-bedroom, three-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 1,280
SQUARE FEET: 1,683
SQUARE FEET: 1,780
SQUARE FEET: 3,030

This gorgeous ground loor Marina Cay This custom-built home has a beauti- This like-new home has three bed- Enjoy gorgeous mountain views from
condo features has been fully remod- fully fenced and landscaped yard with rooms, two baths, AC and a fenced yard this well-kept home on 2 acres. The
eled and includes upscale furnishings. mountain views. It features a beamed with landscaping. Located on a great property is beautifully landscaped and
Patio just steps from Bigfork Bay. ceiling, loor-to-ceiling rock ireplace corner lot in Great Northern Heights. includes a two-car garage and an addi-

RE/MAX of Bigfork
and screened in porch. Glacier Real Blue Sky Realty
tional three-bay detached garage/shop.
MLS #: 325121
Estate of Montana
MLS #: 325069
Performance Real Estate, Inc.
MLS #: 325283
MLS #: 324908

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