Edward H. Cooney Residence

A planned, tree-lined neighborhood away from the town’s industrial activity, the Northside welcomed Great Falls’ business and professional community. Charles Lemley, owner of the Bon Ton Confectionery, chose to build his family home here in 1900. The well-maintained home preserves Victorian-era ambience in its asymmetry, steep roof lines, lovely leaded and beveled glass, and charming curb appeal.

By 1910, Edward H. Cooney and his wife Georgina owned the property. Cooney, whose family came to Montana in 1865, grew up in Meagher County. At White Sulpher Springs, he found his life’s calling at the Rocky Mountain Husbandman setting type after school. A seasoned newspaperman by 1896, Cooney came to Great Falls to manage the Great Falls Leader.

He soon became editor and part owner. While in residence here on Third Avenue, Cooney also served as the Great Falls postmaster, under appointments by presidents Roosevelt and Taft, and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1912 and 1916. Cooney’s legacy includes Montana’s most beloved, often published Yuletide poem, “The Little Brown Gingerbread Man,” penned shortly before his death in 1930.