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38 | JULY 23, 2014 REAL ESTATE
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LANDMARKS
415 Fifth Ave. E., Kalispell
William Swetland Residence
By JAIX CHAIX
The William D. Swetland Residence is in many ways the quintessential 1920s Kalispell Craftsman in a simple, yet refined form.
The home at 415 Fifth Ave. E. in Kalispell was orig- inally built in 1912 by carpentry contractor Ceasar Haverlandt, who built several other homes and build- ings in Kalispell listed on the National Historic Regis- ter.
Indeed, Haverlandt left an architectural legacy in Kalispell. And incidentally, he was commissioned to build this house for another man who left a lasting im- pression on Kalispell history: William Swetland – the home’s namesake, and long-time school superinten- dent.
Swetland was a school teacher in his native Wis- consin and moved to Kalispell in 1904 to serve as the principal of the West Side School, which burned down in January, 1950. It was a challenging time as Kalispell schools were overcrowded. Many teachers had 40 or more students in their classes. Making matters worse – and despite much protest – students from the east side were sent to the West Side School due to even more lim- ited classroom space on the east side. And while lower grades were teeming with students, upper grades were plagued with high drop-out rates.
In striving to overcome these challenges, Swetland became superintendent and served an unparalleled tenure from 1906 until 1942, when he retired. While he may not have been in front of a classroom every day, Swetland is an inextricable part of the history of educa-
PHOTO BY JAIX CHAIX
tion in the Flathead Valley.
Like many others who came to the Flathead Valley,
Swetland carried some things along with him when he arrived in Kalispell from his hometown of Mauston, Wisconsin. For one, he brought along his childhood sweetheart, Adilda May (née Robinson), who he mar- ried in 1899.
He also brought along an ethic steeped in hard work, a passion for books and learning, and first-hand experi- ence with the virtues of thrift and perseverance – all of which are somehow reflected in the house, even today. Some people often say that after a while, “dogs look like their owners,” or “spouses start to look more alike.” So, perhaps it’s not too far-fetched to say that houses often resemble their owners in a sense (OK, maybe this is a bit far-fetched, but bear with me ...).
Just like a schoolbook, the house is in many ways a textbook example of a 1920s Craftsman. While it was originally built in 1912, it was remodeled in the 1920s by Kalispell architect Fred Brinkman. The home has more or less retained its character since then.
Some of the hallmarks of the architectural style include the iconic, gable-roofed front porch, the wide roof eaves with brackets underneath, and symmetry and parallel lines – all formed in a somewhat under- stated, congenial, and refined manner (much like the approach you’d expect from a distinguished school ad- ministrator).
And some of the interior appointments cleverly combined form and function, such as a built-in linen chest that had a hinged seat that combined storage with seating, and a fireplace hearth made of colored cement that combined style with retaining heat (much like a practical man who grew up on a farm, and worked and saved to pay his way through college).
But whether similarities between house and home- owner “make the grade” in your book, the Swetland house nonetheless serves as a dictionary-definition ex- ample of a 1920s Kalispell Craftsman house – and one we can thankfully still appreciate today, more than 100 years after it was built.
Jaix Chaix appreciates history and architecture. You can share ideas and facts with him at landmarks@flatheadbea- con.com or at facebook.com/flatheadvalleylandmarks. He is also the author of Death in the Valley: Odd Tragedies in the Flathead Valley, Montana 1887-1917.
FLOOR SPACE By Georgia Christianson
What You Can Buy for About $150,000
NEXT WEEK: $200,000
KALISPELL
COLUMBIA FALLS
CORAM
WHITEFISH
146 Fifth Ave. E.
3335 North Fork Rd.
97 Corbett Ln.
467 Antelope Tr.
PRICE: $135,000
WHAT: Two-bedroom, one-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 936
This charming home on a corner lot is well maintained and has a strong rental history. Recent renovations include windows, paint and floorings.
National Parks Realty of Whitefish MLS #: 328751
PRICE: $135,000
WHAT: Two-bedroom, one-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 720
This unfinished cabin sits over a two- car garage on 5 wooded acres with mountain views. The cabin is wired and plumbed and a septic system is installed. RE/MAX Mountain View
MLS #: 328757
PRICE: $145,000
WHAT: One-bedroom, two-bath home SQUARE FEET: 884
This home sits on 1 acre and was recently remodeled and includes newer appliances, guest cabin and sheds. The property also features a small green- house and fire pit area.
Dean & Leininger of Kalispell
MLS #: 327812
PRICE: $149,000
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home SQUARE FEET: 1,080
This clean and affordable manufac- tured home features three bedrooms, two baths and sits on a half acre. National Parks Realty of Whitefish
MLS #: 327789
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.
What would 30 years of successful real-estate experience do for you?
Call Georgia, a certified residential specialist for a free one-hour consultation.