McLean House Stories

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McLean house

The City is proud to share that the Dr. Edward and Anne McLean House has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places! This prestigious designation recognizes the home's historical and architectural significance, preserving its legacy for future generations.

Built in 1927, the 4,500-square-foot Colonial Revival home was constructed by Dr. Edward H. McLean, a respected Clackamas County physician, and his wife, Anne. Dr. McLean resided in the home until 1969, when he moved to a nursing home in Gladstone. He passed away in 1972.

Dr. Edward H. McLean was a prominent figure in West Linn and Clackamas County. He was fundamental in founding the Physicians Association of Clackamas County (PACC), an organization instrumental in shaping midcentury healthcare in the region and providing health care to West Linn mill workers. The PACC’s work had a lasting impact on healthcare development both locally and nationally.

In 1969, Dr. McLean sold the house and grounds to the City for $27,500—well below its appraised value—under the condition that the property be used for outdoor recreation. The McLean family intended to donate the home to the City, reflecting their commitment to preserving the historic property. In 1984, the City designated the house as a local historic landmark, acknowledging the house and its surroundings as a distinctive and invaluable asset for the community. It has served as a significant cultural site for Native Americans before and after contact, early pioneers, and the West Linn community through the mid-20th century.

After acquiring the house and grounds, the City partnered with the Friends of McLean House, a local nonprofit, to oversee restoration, preservation, and management of the home and gardens. For over 40 years, the organization provided significant financial and volunteer support, operating the house as a venue for weddings and special events. In 2022, the Friends of McLean House disbanded, returning management to the City. Since then, the home has remained closed due to the construction of the Abernethy Bridge.

Read the McLean House National Register Nomination here.

The City is proud to share that the Dr. Edward and Anne McLean House has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places! This prestigious designation recognizes the home's historical and architectural significance, preserving its legacy for future generations.

Built in 1927, the 4,500-square-foot Colonial Revival home was constructed by Dr. Edward H. McLean, a respected Clackamas County physician, and his wife, Anne. Dr. McLean resided in the home until 1969, when he moved to a nursing home in Gladstone. He passed away in 1972.

Dr. Edward H. McLean was a prominent figure in West Linn and Clackamas County. He was fundamental in founding the Physicians Association of Clackamas County (PACC), an organization instrumental in shaping midcentury healthcare in the region and providing health care to West Linn mill workers. The PACC’s work had a lasting impact on healthcare development both locally and nationally.

In 1969, Dr. McLean sold the house and grounds to the City for $27,500—well below its appraised value—under the condition that the property be used for outdoor recreation. The McLean family intended to donate the home to the City, reflecting their commitment to preserving the historic property. In 1984, the City designated the house as a local historic landmark, acknowledging the house and its surroundings as a distinctive and invaluable asset for the community. It has served as a significant cultural site for Native Americans before and after contact, early pioneers, and the West Linn community through the mid-20th century.

After acquiring the house and grounds, the City partnered with the Friends of McLean House, a local nonprofit, to oversee restoration, preservation, and management of the home and gardens. For over 40 years, the organization provided significant financial and volunteer support, operating the house as a venue for weddings and special events. In 2022, the Friends of McLean House disbanded, returning management to the City. Since then, the home has remained closed due to the construction of the Abernethy Bridge.

Read the McLean House National Register Nomination here.

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    Time line for the McLean house

    by Mswatters.70, 10 months ago
    Event Date Comments
    Native American villages 1806 Recorded by Lewis and Clark
    Hugh Burns platted Multnomah City 1842 McLean House is part of the Homestead, a 640 acre land claim
    Only 88 triblesmen remained 1851 Died from small pocks brought by White tradesmen
    Dr. McLean was born 1886 Linkville, OR
    Graduated 1912 Went to Princeton Univ. College
    Active Duty 1915 Lt., Med. Corps, OR Nat'l Guard on mexican Border
    Got the flu in Atlanta 1918 Believed that it caused his Parkinson later in life
    Dr.McLean bought property 1922 Purchased from Moody Investment Company
    Joined Dr.Mounts med practice 1922 Located in
    ... Continue reading
    Event Date Comments
    Native American villages 1806 Recorded by Lewis and Clark
    Hugh Burns platted Multnomah City 1842 McLean House is part of the Homestead, a 640 acre land claim
    Only 88 triblesmen remained 1851 Died from small pocks brought by White tradesmen
    Dr. McLean was born 1886 Linkville, OR
    Graduated 1912 Went to Princeton Univ. College
    Active Duty 1915 Lt., Med. Corps, OR Nat'l Guard on mexican Border
    Got the flu in Atlanta 1918 Believed that it caused his Parkinson later in life
    Dr.McLean bought property 1922 Purchased from Moody Investment Company
    Joined Dr.Mounts med practice 1922 Located in Oregon City
    Started his on office 1922 Called the Nichois Biag across from the courthouse
    McLean house was built 1927
    Sequoia trees planted 1928 planted by Dr. McLean
    When the freeway was made 2 houses were moved 1932
    First prepaid medical insurance 1936 They were sued for resisting trade but was tossed away
    Help found the PACC 1936 There were 8-10 other members
    McLean Clinic 1936 It was added onto about 3 times
    He retired 1960
    The Government made a law 1960 You can't dig up or remove Artifacts
    His wife died 1963
    Land for freeway bridge purchased 1965
    205 Abernathy Bridge completed 1968
    Dr. McLean died 1972 He lived in the house until his last 10-12 months before moving to a nursing home
    Archeological Survey done June 30 1977
    Friends of McLean Park and House 1980
    A meeting was held on Oct. 12 1981 To create a volunteer board to oversee The McLean House and Park
    Bees were removed from inside the house 1981
    First agreement with city July 14 1981 About Caretakers was presented and accepted
    First Christmas Bazaar 1981
    Articles of Incorporation were filed May 8 1981
    Bi-laws were filed on May 8 1981
    Had a booth at the Olde Fashioned Fair 1982
    Salmon Bake 1982
    West Linn Lions club helps build garden house 1983
    Salmon Bake 1984
    West Linn resident was crowned Miss Oregon 1984 There was a special reception held for Renee Bagley at the McLean house
    Agreement was updated on Aug. 13 1997
    And again in Sept. 1999
    Celebrated 20 years 1999
    Riverview Lions present friends wwith a new flag 2002
    Celebrated 25 years 2004
    Got grant for gazebo 2006
    The kitchen was re-done 2007
    California bay laurel ?
    The house was rented to the Cory family ? They lived there for 8-9 years