Montana Historical and Architectural Inventory (Site # 218)

Address:	722 W. Water
Ownership Name:	LeRoy & Dolores Didier
Historic Name:	Huntoon Residence
Common Name:	Didier Residence
Date of Construction:	1916
Architect:	Link & Haire
Builder:	Lee Dysart
Original Owner:	Julia Maude Huntoon
Original Use:	Residence
Present Use:	Residence

Physical Description:

A sizeable one and one-half story cut stone residence that has an irregular plan and a complex roof shape. The dominant roof is a medium slope wood shingle gable roof with a gabled eave dormer over a solarium and gabled roof dormers on either side of the main gable. The southwest (or left) end of the central gable is intersected by another smaller gable whose downslope runs below the rake of the main roof (similar in appearance to a dutch hip). The edge of the roof is trimmed with a flat wood fascia; the cornice is boxed and the barge boards are curved at the eave to cap the ends of the bed-joint board soffit. The barge is then similar in appearance to a pseudo four-centered arch. The entrance elevation features a projected solarium, which forms one side of the offset for an open porch or balcony that accesses the entry. The porch is supported by cut stone columns. The solarium features four ganged fixed windows with wood frames in the configuration of subtle keyhole arches. The front entry door is wood with an elliptical BE plate glass insert (French Provincial). Wood 1/1 double hung windows with aluminum storms are typical, although casements and sliders can be seen in upper dormers. Trapezoidal windows can be seen on the sides of the southwest dormer. All wall materials are sandstone (including the window sills) except the wall treatment at the upper dormers, which is surfaced with wood shingles. A concrete foundation wall extends down to form a basement.

This residence does qualify for listing under Criteria C. This is an excellent example of a very well executed architectural design using the popular stone materials of Lewistown. The details and massing are delightful; it makes a very positive statement.

Historical Significance:

This property is significant because of its association with J. C. Huntoon, a prominent local attorney. Huntoon was elected county attorney in 1908, an office he held for two years. Blackford and Huntoon was formed in 1914 when he entered into a partnership with William M Blackford in the practice of law. J. C. Huntoon was appointed Judge of the Tenth Judicial District on November 22, 1922, and served in that capacity for ten years.

The Huntoon home, "the finest and most costly residence to be erected in Lewistown" in 1916, stands as a visible sign of the prosperity and stability of the growing community.

Link and Haire designed the home, which remained in the Huntoon family until 1935.

Integrity:

Original construction; the residence occupies the original site. This example is a very strong contributor to the survey area in terms of architectural style and use of stone materials. Interior appointments and planning (central hall) are commensurate with the quality exemplified by the exterior.