Filed Under Billings

Stong House

North Elevation Historic District

A low-pitched gable roof, open front porch, exposed roof rafters, and decorative braces under large overhanging eaves make this a classic Craftsman style bungalow. Robert and Genevieve Stong and one-year-old Robert Jr. moved into the home shortly after its construction circa 1915. The family welcomed two more sons and lived here into the 1950s. A lawyer, Robert served as Yellowstone County attorney, city alderman, district judge, and president of the Yellowstone Bar Association. Genevieve was a prominent clubwoman, active in Republican politics, and president of the Billings chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. Robert Jr. was living at home and working for the Montana Power Company when the U.S. entered World War II. He became a tank driver with the Second Armored Division of the 66th Armored Regiment, fighting in five major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge. Younger brother John served in the U.S. Navy. Both were honorably discharged in 1945. In 1955, Aileen Bohlinger purchased the home, remaining here into the 1980s. Her son John served as lieutenant governor from 2005 to 2013.

Images

Stong House
Stong House Front view of façade Creator: Julie Larsen Date: 2015
Stong House
Stong House Façade view Source: Mona Lissa Sumner Collection, Western Heritage Center, Billings Creator: Frank E. Crosby/Crosby Studio, Billings Date: 1916

Location

1116 North 31st Street, Billings | private

Metadata

Montana Historical Society, “Stong House: North Elevation Historic District,” Historic Montana, accessed November 2, 2026, https://mail.historicmt.org/items/show/3554.