Filed Under Place

Afflerbach/Silverman House

Touted as the “finest dwelling in Great Falls” when it debuted in 1903, this Queen Anne “Free Classic” style home was designed by architect W. E. Donovan for German immigrants Herman and Anna Afflerbach. The home’s bay windows, classical porch columns, and dentil (tooth-like) moldings are stylistic hallmarks. Herman helped expand the Great Falls Meat Company into one of Great Falls’ premier businesses, becoming the company’s vice president before his death in 1908. In 1911, Jewish brothers Leon and William Silverman purchased the home, where they lived with their extended family. The Silvermans and their brother-in-law Abe Wallenstein operated a wholesale alcohol distributorship serving north-central Montana. They shuttered the business in 1918 in advance of Prohibition and invested in real estate, stocks, and mining claims. William died unexpectedly in 1920 and brother Simon managed the business. A philanthropist and sports enthusiast, he sponsored a free exhibition baseball game featuring professional all-stars in 1930. Renowned violinist George Hey and wife Martha lived here beginning in 1937. George taught violin and co-founded the Great Falls Conservatory of Music. Martha was assistant librarian at the Great Falls Public Library.

Images

Afflerbach/Silverman House
Afflerbach/Silverman House facade Source: Google Streetview Image Creator: Google Streetview Date: October 2021
Afflerbach/Silverman
Afflerbach/Silverman East Elevation Source: Google Streetview Image Creator: Google Streetview Date: October 2021

Location

626 4th Ave. North

Metadata

Montana Historical Society, “Afflerbach/Silverman House,” Historic Montana, accessed March 29, 2024, https://historicmt.org/items/show/3429.