Page 39 - Flathead Beacon // 5.27.2015

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REAL ESTATE
MAY 27, 2015 | 39
LANDMARKS
720 Second Ave. W., Kalispell
McElroy House
By JAIX CHAIX
Although far from the battle lines, and not even a known place at the time, Kalispell has more than a bit to do with the Civil War. That is, after the war, many veterans came to Montana and the Flathead Valley, likely seeking quieter times and more peaceful sur- roundings far from the ravages of war. It was estimat- ed in 1895, when the Montana Veterans’ Home was established, that some 2,500 Civil War veterans were living in Montana.
While some Civil War veterans arrived sooner, oth- ers came later, perhaps after retiring, such as Ohio Civ- il War veteran Joseph McElroy and his wife Clara, who came to Kalispell in 1902. McElroy served in the Union Army and boasted of traveling 27,000 miles, fighting in nearly 100 battles, and escaping from one quite horri- fying Confederate prisoner-of-war camp (Anderson- ville Prison in Georgia, also known as Camp Sumter).
After leaving his native Ohio, McElroy homestead- ed in the Gallatin Valley of Montana. And like many farmers of the era, who sought the conveniences of city living upon retirement, the McElroys moved to Kalispell when Joseph turned in the plow. In 1902, the couple built this fine Victorian home reminiscent of any good farmhouse, on the west side of town at 720 Second Ave. W., which was quite rural and farm- like at the time.
The home typifies many of the common build- ing practices of the day. For example, like many oth- er homes in the area, the foundation was made using native rock, some from the yard and some from local
PHOTO BY JAIX CHAIX
Montana) meant spending much time in the heat. Even a “quick” meal in the early 1900s (hence, sans microwave) required lighting a fire with an oil can, or a “kindling” for coal or wood, waiting for it to “reach temperature,” and warming any pots or pans — before you could even begin cooking. And considering the very fashion of the day (try wearing at least three ad- ditional layers in July), spending even a few moments in the kitchen in the summer was not a comfortable proposition. So offsetting the kitchen helped provide much-needed ventilation, and helped keep the rest of the house from becoming uncomfortably warm as well.
There was also another more practical, risk-avert- ing aspect to such design as well. That is, if the kitch- en was under its own roof, in its own extension — and caught fire — it would give the fire brigade plenty of time to arrive and spare the rest of the house. Back then, mind you, your typical “fire truck” was still being pulled by horses along “dirt paved” streets.
Fortunately, not much has changed with the over- all style and design of the house since the McElroys’ time. While the front porch that once graced the front of the home has since been reconfigured, the home has been mindfully restored and carefully preserved for us to appreciate.
quarry operations.
The home also features other elements that typify
popular Victorian architectural elements of the day, including clapboard siding with contrasting, and far- more-fanciful shingles. And considering that geometry was “all the rage” back then, it’s no wonder the house features an accented front gable (like a pyramid, or tri- angle); patterned shingle accents (that are diamond- shaped) that contrast with the squared and rectangu- lar windows and doors. Indeed, the style had much to do with the shapes of things.
Also telling of the architectural style (and practical necessities of the day) is the construction of the kitch- en. Here, the design models another common practice: building the kitchen under its own single-story roof as an extension of the “main” part of the house.
For one thing, cooking in the summer (even in
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: $250,000
FLOOR SPACE By Georgia Christianson
What You Can Buy for About $200,000
COLUMBIA FALLS
KALISPELL
LAKESIDE
WHITEFISH
1098/1100 Dorothy St.
320 S. Many Lakes Dr.
1198 Bierney Creek Rd.
6300 Locarno Unit E
PRICE: $189,000
WHAT: Six-bedroom, three-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 2,552
This property features a five-bedroom, two-bath home and additional one- bedroom, one-bath guest home on two lots with a huge fenced backyard. National Parks Realty
MLS #: 334254
PRICE: 189,900
WHAT: Two-bedroom, two-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 941
This log cabin is in a private setting and features a wrap-around covered deck, wood stove, hot tub and covered carport.
Keller Williams Realty Northwest Montana
MLS #: 333620
PRICE: $198,000
WHAT: Two-bedroom, two-bath home SQUARE FEET: 1,403
This cozy two-bedroom cabin sits on 1.5 acres in a tranquil setting with beautiful mountain views and has a seasonal creek running through the back of the property.
Performance Real Estate, Inc.
MLS #: 334399
PRICE: $189,900
WHAT: One-bedroom, two-bath home SQUARE FEET: 990
This beautifully furnished and up- graded Monterra condo overlooks the tennis courts and features Swan Range views. Enjoy all amenities, including swimming pool and workout room. National Parks Realty
MLS #: 334382
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.
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