Montana, Sept. 17, 2014

We decided to explore a bit more of Kalispell today. The Conrad Mansion Museum won out. Again, it was a great choice. Conrad made his money being involved with shipping into Fort Benton, and then in the railroad. At one point he owned over 70 acres as his homestead. He also was concerned about the killing off of the buffalo, and had a small herd brought to this area. Many of the existing buffalo today are from that herd.

Photography was not allowed in the home, so we took advantage of the time we had before the tour started to get some shots of the outside. This was an interesting light fixture on the porch.

A lovely gazebo, still being used today for weddings, is still on the property. There are several trees planted through out the gardens, with identifying plaques. Some of the trees are huge, so they have been there a while. The mansion was abandoned and empty for many years, as the daughter could not afford the upkeep. It was never updated, left unheated, yet survived with remarkable hope. It was given to the city of Kalispell in 1974, and volunteers have brought it back to it's original state, with 90% of the contents being original. Gorgeous antiques, in beautiful condition, still in the original places. A remarkable estate, for sure.

Even saw this wild guy on the road. Guess they are as prevalent in Montana as they are in Maine.

We decided to have lunch in town, and happened upon this fascinating cafe, located in an old building that was once the Kalispell Mercantile center. This was an old bar, or ice cream counter, that adorned one wall. Extending out of the picture, were counters about six more feet. Gorgeous. 

The old ladder that ran along a rail to reach items high on shelves was still in use. Notice the tin ceilings, and the old brick wall. They really have worked hard to restore and keep the old usable. 

Ken had a Slow Elk, from Big Sky brewery, a nice chocolaty stout. I had a Clothing Optional IPA, and as the name says, I can't post the results. :-) Good beers, great food, and an interesting place.

This was hanging on the wall in the cafe, showing the mercantile business booming. Same ceilings, and product stacked to the ceilings. It must have been a busy place with 7 men poised at their counters. Of course if the women had the jobs, there would only bu three, I am sure!

A few more pictures of some of the old buildings in town. It is remarkable that they are in such great condition, and the buildings are still being used. 

We have worked hard to try new places, with new beers. Kalispell has one microbrewery that has only been opened 3 months, lucky for us. It was an old car dealership, and the painted ad on the wall is still there. Ken had a sampler, Winter at Noon dunkel, Two Ski Brewski pilsner, Rope Tow pale ale, and Snowslip stout. All good, and different. I had a Rope Tow IPA. And as usual, great.

Man, it seems like we eat and drink, over and over, well, I guess we do. We weren't that hungry so a light supper, and a Yard Sale. Not the best one I have had, but very tasty.

Another sculpture of old metal parts. Just amazes me that someone can see a moose with those spare parts. 

Winding down on the vacation. One more day, then heading home. It's been an amazing time with my amazing man, in an amazing state.