Filed Under Forsyth

Wilson Residence

Forsyth Residential Historic District

Dr. Arthur C. Wilson moved to Forsyth after graduating medical school in 1891. He worked as a surgeon for the Northern Pacific Railroad, as a medical examiner for insurance companies, and as the county health officer. Forsyth’s first resident physician, he also maintained an active general practice and is said to have covered “the territory between Miles City and Musselshell and to the Wyoming line.” He and his wife Ida had this home built in 1903 either replacing or substantially enlarging the small wooden home that occupied this lot by 1897. The two-and-one-half-story residence on a double corner lot reflected the prominence of its owners, who lived here until Dr. Wilson’s death in 1929. Popular Queen Anne elements ornament the home: a wraparound porch, two-story octagonal bay, and decorative leaded glass. Although it looks like an addition, the one-story room behind the house was part of the original design. Placing the kitchen under separate roof minimized fire risk. Bucket brigades could more easily reach a one-story roof, perhaps saving the main house in case of a kitchen fire.

Images

Wilson Residence
Wilson Residence Wilson Residence (PAc 91-51 Forsyth Roll01 F23). Front to side view of the house, facing east on North 11th Avenue near the intersection of North 11th and Cedar Street. Tree vegetation in front has flourished since this photograph and has concealed most of the house from the front view. B&W. Source: Montana State Historic Preservation Office from the Photograph Archives at the Montana Historical Society Creator: Photographer unidentified Date: 1988

Location

209 North 11th Avenue, Forsyth, Montana | Private

Metadata

The Montana National Register Sign Program, “Wilson Residence,” Historic Montana, accessed March 29, 2024, https://historicmt.org/items/show/1827.