A near twin to a home designed by renowned architect Percy Bentley in La Crosse, Wisconsin, this two-story Prairie style residence was built circa 1912 for Louis and Sarah Dousman. The Dousmans had close connections to La Crosse, where Sarah was raised. Louis was from nearby Prairie Du Chien, the grandson of fur trade magnate L. H. Dousman. The couple moved to Billings on the advice of Sarah’s father, who had investments here. Louis began his career with the Billings Land and Irrigation Company. He later operated the Montana Mortgage Company and invested heavily in real estate. Like other Prairie style homes, this residence features a low-hipped roof, extended eaves, a one-story porch with large square supports, and a wide central chimney. Distinguishing features include the row of second-story casement windows, distinctively patterned siding, and the unusual stair hall set at a forty-five-degree angle to the rest of the house. Louis died in 1955, and a year later Sarah sold the home to Mary Sullivan and her husband, Dr. Paul Sullivan, a surgeon who practiced at the nearby Saint Vincent Hospital.
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