The house was built in 1907 by pioneer carpenter George W. Durst. As more than a few real estate investors had done, Durst bought two city lots and built the home for re-sale as an investment. The home changed hands a few times in the next several years, as Durst sold the home to the Ethel and William Wotring in 1908, who then sold it two years later to John Lebert (who harvested ice from the Stillwater River and delivered it locally).
In 1914, local farmer Isaac Flinchpaugh bought the home and rented it to namesakes Arthur and Theada Smith. In 1920, the Smiths purchased the home for themselves. Much like a house on the prairie, the Smiths must have enjoyed the quiet, open surroundings, as this was the only house on the west side of the street until 1927. And in retrospect, the house was indeed built in a place in transition, at a time of transition, in a style of transition.
More particularly, the house is somewhat of a snapshot of the architectural move from the late-Victorian Queen Anne style to more modern, Colonial Revival styles. For example, the wrap-around porch, bay window, and clapboard/shingle siding are all Queen Anne hallmarks. Yet the home prominently features a broad, gambrel-style dormer – very much a trademark of the Dutch Colonial Revival.
The Smiths raised their children in the home: Elain, Gilbert, Waldo, and Howard. When she was not keeping house and raising the children, Theada was busy attending secret meetings of the Lady Maccabees. Meanwhile, Arthur was the co-owner of the City Transfer Coal Company and kept busy managing coal deliveries and moving furniture and pianos as well. Incidentally, local homeowners and shopkeepers could dial the company’s phone number – 1 – to order a coal delivery.
As time went on, deliveries of coal and ice dwindled (and then just disappeared). And while practically every aspect of life seemed to change, the house remained the same. It stayed in the Smith family for more than 40 years and has been respectfully cared since.
Today, the Smith House holds much of its original character and charm – and rather ironically, it still provides a reference to a time when architectural styles and life in the Flathead underwent some truly remarkable transitions.
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. Photo and article used by permission from Flathead Beacon
In 1914, local farmer Isaac Flinchpaugh bought the home and rented it to namesakes Arthur and Theada Smith. In 1920, the Smiths purchased the home for themselves. Much like a house on the prairie, the Smiths must have enjoyed the quiet, open surroundings, as this was the only house on the west side of the street until 1927. And in retrospect, the house was indeed built in a place in transition, at a time of transition, in a style of transition.
More particularly, the house is somewhat of a snapshot of the architectural move from the late-Victorian Queen Anne style to more modern, Colonial Revival styles. For example, the wrap-around porch, bay window, and clapboard/shingle siding are all Queen Anne hallmarks. Yet the home prominently features a broad, gambrel-style dormer – very much a trademark of the Dutch Colonial Revival.
The Smiths raised their children in the home: Elain, Gilbert, Waldo, and Howard. When she was not keeping house and raising the children, Theada was busy attending secret meetings of the Lady Maccabees. Meanwhile, Arthur was the co-owner of the City Transfer Coal Company and kept busy managing coal deliveries and moving furniture and pianos as well. Incidentally, local homeowners and shopkeepers could dial the company’s phone number – 1 – to order a coal delivery.
As time went on, deliveries of coal and ice dwindled (and then just disappeared). And while practically every aspect of life seemed to change, the house remained the same. It stayed in the Smith family for more than 40 years and has been respectfully cared since.
Today, the Smith House holds much of its original character and charm – and rather ironically, it still provides a reference to a time when architectural styles and life in the Flathead underwent some truly remarkable transitions.
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. Photo and article used by permission from Flathead Beacon