Page 40 - Flathead Beacon // 8.13.14

40 | AUGUST 13, 2014 REAL ESTATE
FLATHEADBEACON.COM
LANDMARKS
428 Sixth Ave. E., Kalispell
Conrad/Tobie House
By JAIX CHAIX
Impeccable. That pretty much describes the main- tenance and restoration of the Conrad/Tobie House at 428 Sixth Ave. E. in Kalispell. “Timeless” would also accurately describe its condition, as the house is indeed a mesh of the past, present and future.
The house owes part of its name to its original builders and owners: Kokoa Baldwin and Charles Dav- enport Conrad, who were both born into notable fami- lies with considerable privilege.
Kokoa and Charles D. were married on March 12, 1907, and construction of the home was soon fully un- derway. As the shell was nearly complete that fall, the “1907 Banker’s Panic,” literally hit home, as Charles D. was a director of his family’s Conrad National Bank of Kalispell.
While their marriage was often pejoratively (and mistakenly) described as “half-breed,” the term “half- crazy” is perhaps more accurate and more apropos. Ko- koa was much like her esteemed father, attorney (Ma- jor) Marcus Baldwin. She loved the outdoors, and life, but kept reserved.
Charles D., however, and quite unlike his father, seemingly issued bank loans more on whimsy than prudence, and there always seemed to be a kickback of some kind or another. (Charles D. also seemed ever-en- amored with wine and women and later attempted to convert his parents’ home, the Conrad Mansion, into a bar/casino/ bordello).
Charles D. and Kokoa had two children, William and Catherine, while living at the home, but divorced
PHOTO BY JAIX CHAIX
in 1915, and sold the home to the other namesake of the home, the Tobie family.
Alba Tobie was president of the Conrad National Bank (at the time Charles D. was the vice-president) and the purchase of the home for him and his wife, Frances Jurgens Tobie, seemed to be rather opportune, if not convenient for Charles D.
Frances was an accomplished artist and graced the home with artistic flair in a variety of ways. She also hosted many guests and visitors at the home during the 30 years the Tobie family occupied it.
In 1945, Chet and Jewell Chrisinger purchased the residence. Chet grew up in the neighborhood and was a childhood friend of one of the former occupants of the home: “Billy” William Conrad (the son of Kokoa and Charles D. Conrad). Perhaps most remarkably, Chet, Jewell and their four children lived in and cared for the
home for more than 50 years.
While their family lineage may not bespeak notable
privilege, or distinguished heritage, the house owes a considerable debt to the Chrisingers’ ownership, care and maintenance. During an era when sagging front porches were typically either removed, or haphazardly buttressed and boxed in, the Chrisinger family kept the original form of the front porch (which is believed to have been originally built in Spokane).
Thankfully, the house has also survived an era of wayward vinyl-siding, behemoth additions, and DIY renovations. And in many ways, current owner Paul Stein is doing far more than what may seem contem- porary. His respect for the heritage of the home shows, and if it is indeed likely that the mix of “fish-scale,” shake and clapboard siding, the inviting wrap-around porch, and fine detailing of expert preservation of the home will be around for others to appreciate well into the future.
With all that in mind, it wouldn’t be wrong to call this the “Conrad/Tobie/Chrisinger/Stein House” (al- though it’s a mouthful). For the history of this fine ear- ly 20th-century home – like other historic landmarks – has as much to do with the past, as it does the present and the future.
Jaix Chaix appreciates history and architecture. You can share ideas and facts at [email protected]. He will be teaching another “Historic Homes of Kalispell” course at FVCC this fall, and guiding “cemetery walks” at the Conrad Memorial and Demersville cemeteries.
FLOOR SPACE By Georgia Christianson
What You Can Buy for About $300,000
NEXT WEEK: $350,000
KILA
KALISPELL
LAKESIDE
WHITEFISH
515 Hoffman Draw
1272 Foxtail Dr.
242 Bear Canyon Rd.
114 Goat Tr.
PRICE: $289,000
WHAT: Two-bedroom, three-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 2,738
This unique octagonal home with nice views sits on 35 private forested acres minutes from Kalispell. Living quarters on upper level; garage and storage on lower level. Montana Brokers, Inc.
MLS #: 329228
PRICE: $289,000
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 1,950
This nice home sits on 1 acre and fea- tures oak hardwood flooring, vaulted ceiling, alder cabinets and a master bedroom with full bath and two walk-in closets. Landstar
MLS #: 328930
PRICE: $299,000
WHAT: Two-bedroom, two-bath home SQUARE FEET: 1,360
This pristine home is tucked away in the woods on more than 8 acres and features a wrap-around deck, open floor plan and great views.
Trails West Real Estate/Lakeside MLS #: 328667
PRICE: $295,000
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home SQUARE FEET: 2,044
This comfortable cedar home sits on a half acre and features granite, open kitchen area, large screened-in porch and detached double garage. RE/MAX of Whitefish
MLS #: 329091
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.