Page 38 - Flathead Beacon // 12.3.14

38 | DECEMBER 3, 2014 REAL ESTATE FLATHEADBEACON.COM
LANDMARKS
38 Highway 2 E., Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls Depot/The Shops at Station 8
By JAIX CHAIX
Columbia Falls has endured an “interesting” his- tory with railroading.
The relationship harks to a time when Columbia Falls didn’t exist, when “The Bad Rock District” and “Half Moon Prairie” were more aspirations than ac- tual places. It was a time when the Great Northern Railway just discovered a route through the Rockies. Many speculated about where the railroad would es- tablish its division point – and instantly prosperous division-point town.
Some reckoned Half Moon would be the place. In fact, a fellow named J.P. Bowen established a post office at Half Moon in November 1890 and named it “Hill” in honor of the Great Northern Railway founder and pres- ident, James J. Hill.
Speculation spread like fever when a railroad clerk spoke loosely and it became known that the railroad would pass through Bad Rock Canyon. Barely a mo- ment passed before the Northern International Devel- opment Company was established and Columbia Falls was platted in March 1891 – anticipating the all-but- certain arrival of the railroad division point.
However, railroad executives didn’t choose Hill, Columbia Falls or Demersville. They chose Kalispell instead. With much less fanfare, the railroad passed through Columbia Falls. And when the railroad depot was built, it seemed shrouded in spite: it marked a place that should have been.
In 1904, the Great Northern decided to leave Ka-
PHOTO BY JAIX CHAIX
lispell. Surely, Columbia Falls would become the di- vision point it always should have been. But the no- where place of “Stumptown” (aka Whitefish) was chosen instead.
Decades later, it seemed the splendid, late Victorian depot at Columbia Falls would finally get its chance. President Harry S. Truman planned to make a whistle- stop at Columbia Falls, en route to dedicate the Hungry Horse Dam in October 1952. But the depot was shunned once again, and deemed too old for a presidential visit.
The depot was chopped into three pieces, disman- tled, and moved down Nucleus Avenue so another, more “modern” depot could be built in its place. Many long-time residents may recall the depot then became Linc’s auto repair shop for many years.
After decades as a repair shop (and falling to disre- pair), Colette Gross purchased the building in 2008. At the time, perhaps her decision appeared to make more sense, as in “sense of place” (and not so much in avoid-
ing things painstaking or back-breaking).
While renovating and restoring the depot for her
antique shop, Collete discovered a board – dated March 18 1908 – in the attic. It was a discovery 100 years in the making – a striking coincidence that led to the name of the store: The Shops at Station 8 (the “8” refers to the board from 1908 discovered in 2008).
Thanks to Collete’s care and concern and meticu- lous restoration, the depot seems to make sense now. True, it is no longer trackside, rather roadside, but the railroadiana and other artifacts once hidden in the walls are now proudly displayed inside the shop (by the way, if you’re looking for things vintage, shabby-chic, primitive, and local in home décor, this is the place).
The telegraphers’ station at the depot also seems busy once again, as the check-out counter has taken its place.
Likewise, glimpses of the exterior architecture, once steeped in steam and coal smoke, can be found in various nooks throughout the shop. And much of the original maple floorboards can still be found refin- ished underfoot.
Fortunately, the depot still holds charm. And befit- tingly the depot serves as a great place for things his- torical and antique.
On Dec. 5 Jaix Chaix will be at the Flathead Beacon at 17 Main St. in Kalispell, 5-7 p.m., to celebrate First Friday and the release of his latest book “Flathead Valley Landmarks: His- toric Places & People of the Past.” His other lo- cal history books will also be available for sale.
NEXT WEEK: $450,000
FLATHEAD VALLEY
By Jaix Chaix
FLOOR SPACE By Georgia Christianson
What You Can Buy for About $400,000
WHITEFISH
BIGFORK
KALISPELL
WHITEFISH
5042 Portage Way
99 Pierce Ln.
99 Riverside Rd.
5656 Highway 93 S.
PRICE: $389,900
WHAT: Four-bedroom, three-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 2,599
This beautiful home in The Lakes is newly painted and features an open floor plan, spacious granite kitchen island, wood floors and is conveniently located. Keller Williams Realty Northwest Montana
MLS #: 330778
PRICE: $389,000
WHAT: Three-bedroom, three-bath
home
SQUARE FEET: 2,714
This beautiful custom home was recently remodeled and features new appliances, knotted cherry cabinets, granite and tile. Enjoy views of Flathead Lake. National Parks Realty
MLS #: 330318
PRICE: $395,000
WHAT: Three-bedroom, two-bath home
SQUARE FEET: 2,244
Enjoy incredible views from this home that features an open floor plan, high ceilings, and quality finishes through- out. Sits on 1 acre.
America Interactive Real Estate MLS #: 329805
PRICE: $395,000
WHAT: Four-bedroom, three-bath home SQUARE FEET: 3,008
This recently updated home sits on 5 acres in a very private setting off High- way 35. RE/MAX of Whitefish
MLS #: 329472
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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Call Georgia, a certified residential specialist for a free one-hour consultation.