Page 35 - Flathead Beacon // 6.3.15

FLATHEADBEACON.COM REAL ESTATE
JUNE 3, 2015 | 35
LANDMARKS
527 Second Ave. W. , Kalispell
Dreesen/Aker House
By JAIX CHAIX
The Dreesen/Aker House, at 527 Second Ave. W. in Kalispell, seems pretty good at revealing lit- tle of its past.
In 1909, namesakes Albert and Emma Dreesen pur- chased the home. And much like the house itself, their name only hints at their heritage. Albert was born in Wesselburen, Germany and immigrated to the United States at age 14. His family arrived at Chicago, where Albert pursued the freedoms and fortune laid out be- fore the dawn of the 20th century.
While the house may not tell you, Albert put in the effort to get here. Having studied English at night, after working most of the day, he heeded the call of the West. He made his way to Wolf Prairie, where he homestead- ed for a bit. That is, after making his way from Chicago working as a hired-on farm hand along the way. Albert arrived in the Flathead Valley in 1901, and was con- sidered a pioneer resident (although one of the last). Emma arrived in Kalispell in 1894 and was a resident until she passed away in 1962. She kept the house, and raised their two daughters Lillian and Amelia, while Albert kept busy with his endeavors. Perhaps driven by ambition, Albert became co-owner of the former Brewery Saloon, a place where men from open spaces and shadowed corners alike would come and go, having their fill in between.
Incidentally, the historical plaque refers to the Brewery Saloon as “a bowling alley” — somewhat of a misnomer; much like saying Flathead Lake is only good for taking a bath. Since 1892, the Brewery Saloon
PHOTO BY JAIX CHAIX
was a place of things delightful and dastardly, bold and bawdy. In 1919, by way of court order, Dreesen and his partner James Jorgenson became the owners of the saloon, changing its name to “The Palm.” To stay afloat during Prohibition, they sold fishing gear and smoking supplies. And yes, women were permitted entrance to the bowling alley upstairs, but only once a week, as it was very much a place that catered to gentle- man’s entertainment.
Some years later, Dreesen owned the Kalispell Ho- tel building, a place much like The Palm in that it was frequented by locals, yet had many visitors from afar. Aside from business and family, the Dreesens pursued civic-minded endeavors, too. Albert was a life member of the Elks Lodge and Emma was a noted host. They also
served the Neighbors of Woodcraft at Eagles Lodge, and daughter Lillian served as an officer of the organi- zation in the 1950s. During their time in the home, the Dreesens also kept an important Flathead Valley tradi- tion: they opened the home and accommodated family and guests for visits to Glacier National Park.
Nowadays, the stucco, the unique portico at the front peak, and other features inspired by an Art-De- co/Streamline-Moderne renovation hide the origins of this former single-story residence rather well. In 1937, having established themselves in the merchandising and grocery business, Forrest and Ethel Aker pur- chased the home. Ethel worked as an assistant man- ager of the former McCracken Store. Meanwhile For- rest established himself in the grocery business, and opened his own grocery about the time they purchased the house and transformed it with a remarkable reno- vation in a forward-thinking style.
Incidentally, Aker eventually kept his eponymous Aker’s Grocery at Second Ave. W.— back when “com- muting” was measured by the block and the many gro- cery stores in Kalispell could be counted by the dozen. Indeed, much like the traditions and style of the house, things have changed.
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: $300,000
FLOOR SPACE By Georgia Christianson
What You Can Buy for About $250,000
BIGFORK
COLUMBIA FALLS
LAKESIDE
WHITEFISH
420 Alpine Dr.
274 Sixth Ave. EN
494 Political Hill Rd.
567 Central Ave.
PRICE: $250,000
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 1,440
This Homark Hideaway Lodge modular home is nestled in the pines and has been lovingly maintained. It features a covered front porch and access to the private homeowner’s beach on Echo Lake. Deaton and Company
MLS #: 333295
PRICE: $249,000
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 4,156
This elegant rancher sits on a gorgeous lot and features spacious rooms, trav- ertine fireplace and covered and open patios. RE/MAX Mountain View
MLS #: 334519
PRICE: $249,500
WHAT: Two-bedroom, two-bath home SQUARE FEET: 1,920
This log-style home is a perfect vaca- tion getaway or primary residence. It sits on about a half acre, has a nice pri- vate yard and is close to the Lakeside Town Center.
Montana Realty Management LLC MLS #: 334554
PRICE: $249,500
WHAT: One-bedroom, two-bath home SQUARE FEET: 1,584
This cottage overlooking the Whitefish River has newer forced air furnace, two-car garage, wood sauna off patio and is zoned WR-4. Across the street from Riverside Park.
RE/MAX of Whitefish MLS #: 333783
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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