Architecture

"A Piece of the Past "

Notes from the Artist

Charles Conrad left his boyhood home in Virginia in 1868 at age 18.  He arrived in Fort Benton, Montana by steamboat.  While there, he established a freight business and trading company; and right before leaving, a family.  He and wife Lettie were headed for Spokane, Washington when they took a side trip to the Flathead.  Like many others, before and since, it was the end of the line. 

Their house was designed by architect Kirkland Cutter,  who also drew the plans for the large stable across the street.  The Conrad family retained ownership of the estate until 1975, when it was deeded to the city of Kalispell.  It is now a wonderful museum with its gardens and fully restored three- storied house.

As the family fortune dwindled,  lands were lost and pieces of their past were scattered. The stable being the largest, was dismantled into sections. The central portion with the turret was moved across the street.  It was converted into a dwelling and has been home to many families since 1934  

image size:  10”x10”             unframed price:  $135
frame size:  16”x16”              framed price:  $225

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hand colored etchings by Barbara Coppock