McGovern/Karcher House

Irish-born Thomas McGovern built several homes for rental purposes as well as this Queen Anne style residence for his own family. Constructed between 1899 and 1903, its distinctive turret became a neighborhood landmark. The mansard roof and porch of the back wing, added between 1903 and 1910, enhanced its vintage appeal. Like most local families, the McGoverns took in boarders, advertising in 1902 a beautiful front room furnished at reasonable rates. McGovern’s wife died in 1903, leaving seven children, but the family remained there until 1907. The next owner, Mary Karcher, also took in boarders, including postal worker Chester Brintnall, who was instrumental in establishing Kalispell’s rural delivery routes and boarded with the Karchers from 1907 to 1925. Later converted to apartments, the residence again became a well-cared-for single home, with ornamental shinglework, porch scrollwork, and stained glass expressing Queen Anne style elegance.

Kalispell, Montana · United States