Johnson--Lee House - Kalispell, Montana - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

Johnson/Lee House

The northwest area of Kalispell was undeveloped when carpenter Erick J. Johnson bought this property in 1911.  Johnson, a cabinetmaker for Lew Switzer, had built this Craftsman style residence by 1913, likely doing much of the work himself.  The Green brothers of California promoted the style which was widely publicized through magazines and pattern books.  It was especially popular in Kalispell from 1907 to 1928.  The quintessential Craftsman bungalow called for varied, natural materials and subtle detailing that allowed the home to virtually "sing into the landscape."  This exceptionally well-maintained example illustrates the ingenuity of its builder.  The modest home is sheathed in a combination of narrow clapboard and shingles, an effective yet inexpensive way to add textural interest and emphasis the horizontal orientation characteristic of the Craftsman style.  Wide overhanging eaves supported by knee brackets and an inviting full-width open front porch with square columns on wooden piers further reinforce the stylistic dictum.  Interior finishes that reveal Johnson's carpentry skills include a plate rail in the dining room and the original stairway banister.  A diamond-shaped window in the entry adds individuality.  one of the very first residences in the neighborhood, its street address, listed in early directories as the "end of 2nd Avenue West North," reflects the rural character of the area when the home stood without neighbors.  Johnson owned the property until 1929 when he sold it to cabinetmaker Benjamin P. Lee, a co-worker at Lew Switzer's. ~ text of plaque

Street address: 651 2nd Ave. W. N., Kalispell, Montana County / Borough / Parish: Flathead County Year listed: 1994 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering Periods of significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949 Historic function: Domestic Current function: Domestic Privately owned?: yes Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Season start / Season finish: Not listed Hours of operation: Not listed Secondary Website 1: Not listed Secondary Website 2: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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