The landmark at 820 Third Ave. E. in Kalispell provides a good reminder about “what’s good for the home, is good for the heart” (and vice versa). It’s one of those fun, almost personified homes that always seems to welcome you with a smile.
The home bears the name of Henry Good, a man who played a significant role in making Kalispell what it is today. He was a successful farmer and logging contractor in Northwest Montana. His business operations were examples of success. And he also served as a Flathead County commissioner in the early 1900s.
Yet misfortune ignores success. And tragically, Good suffered the loss of his first wife during the influenza epidemic of 1918, which took a devastating toll on many families in the Flathead Valley. Despite grieving his loss, Good persevered personal setbacks and tragedies, like many men of his generation. And in 1920, he married his second wife Alice.
Together, the Good family kept a successful farm just north of Kalispell. Yet they needed a “home in town” during off seasons and to tend to business matters. In 1926, they found this one, which was practically new. The original owners, Henry and Lena Nollar built it the year before (the home just switched Henrys when Henry Nollar sold it to Henry Good). The Good family stayed here off and on and rented the home in between.
Inside, the home featured beautifully crafted “gumwood doors and woodwork.” The home was also graced by Alice’s beautiful singing and artistic talents. Alice was an accomplished artist, musician, and teacher, who taught in Kalispell schools before getting married.
And anyone who enjoys a round of golf at the Buffalo Hills Golf Course, should tip their cap to Henry Good. Along with several other golf enthusiasts, Good helped secure funds the golf course, planned its design, and established its infrastructure and maintenance. Undoubtedly, some of the ideas for the golf course took shape inside the home as well.
As the nation recovered from the Great Depression, a remodeling trend took place in Kalispell. Like many other homes throughout the town, this one was remodeled by local architect Fred Brinkman, some time in the mid-1930s.
Brinkman’s remodeling gave the home more of the appearance it has today. Overall, the home qualifies somewhat in the “Colonial Revival” category. However, it’s probably best to say it’s more “fun” than anything else, especially since creating a unique style – from a pastiche of styles – was quite popular in the 1930s.
Indeed, this home features bits and pieces of various styles. For example, it has Tuscan columns under a (Greek-Revival) centered portico, (Victorian) eyebrow dormers, (Prairie-style) windows, and a (Bungalow-style) squared frame.
Putting the fun mix of details, colors, and styles aside, passing by to appreciate this home can be just good fun, particularly if you’re having a bad day. For by the time you realize from the overall impression that the home is smiling at you – you’ll be smiling too.
Jaix Chaix is a writer who appreciates history and architecture. You can share ideas and historical facts with him at [email protected]. Also visit facebook.com/flatheadvalleylandmarks
Take the “Historic Homes of Kalispell” Course
This April, Jaix will teach a course about “Landmarks” and historic homes of Kalispell at Flathead Valley Community College. Read more in the FVCC Community Education Classes brochure, call
(406) 756-3832 or enroll online at fvcc.edu.