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A VINTAGE VAUDEVILLE VARIETY EXTRAVAGANZA
Architectural rendering of McLean House from the period of its construction. (Courtesy Friends of McLean House)
The McLean House, located on the banks of the Willamette River in beautiful West Linn, Oregon, is a three-story, 17-room home situated on artfully landscaped grounds. This “Jewel of the City” was built in 1927, and has been lovingly restored for the community.
The McLean House is owned by the City of West Linn, and up until December 2022, was operated by a separate nonprofit organization the Friends of Mclean Park and House. The nonprofit is no longer in operation.
As the City develops a plan, private rentals of the house will not be available. Please check back at this site https://westlinnoregon.gov/parksrec/reserve-facility for any updates in the future. For more information you can contact Parks & Recreation at 503-557-4700
The park is open until 9pm each night. The park is the only publicly owned semi formal or cottage style garden in West Linn. It is a nice place to picnic with your family or sit quietly enjoying the beautiful landscape and river rivers.
The McLean House was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 2025. Click HERE to read the application.
Dr. McLean and Family
Dr. McLean and Family
Dr. Edward Huntington McLean was born in 1886 in Klamath Falls, Oregon, the son of a Presbyterian missionary. The family moved to Grants Pass in 1887 and to Portland in 1899. In 1902, the family moved to Puerto Rico where the Reverend McLean helped construct the Presbyterian Hospital in San Juan.
Edward McLean graduated from high school in San Juan in 1904 and was accepted to Princeton University in New Jersey. After graduation from college with honors in 1908, McLean entered Columbia University of Physicians and Surgeons, where he graduated in 1912.
After positions at St. Lukes Hospital in New York City, Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and marriage to Anne Mathida Cooper in 1915, Dr. McLean set up private practice in Oregon City. The McLean’s built the McLean House in West Linn in 1927. The property covers a portion of the Donation Land Claim of Hugh Burns. Dr. and Anne McLean raised 5 children in the house.
Dr. McLean helped to establish the Physicians Association of Clackamas County (PACC) during the 1930’s. PACC was a prepaid medical insurance plan for employees of the pulp and lumber mills in West Linn and Oregon City. PACC was the first of its kind in the nation and became a nationwide standard for the insurance industry.
Dr. McLean offered to sell the McLean House to the City of West Linn after the I-205 Bridge was completed in 1969. Dr. McLean died in 1972.
The City of West Linn purchased the McLean House for $27,000, using Federal Lands Water Conservation Funds (50%), Willamette River Greenway Funds (25%) and a donation by the McLean Family to the City for its 25% match. In the late 1970’s, the City had developed plans that included a two-lane boat ramp, small restaurant/concession building, tennis courts, parking and picnic areas. Neighborhood opposition to the City’s plan led to the City Council appointing the McLean Park Task Force in 1979 to develop an alternative plan for the property.
The Task Force felt it was important to restore the house and use it for historical purposes because West Linn made an important contribution to the early development of Oregon. The West Linn City Council approved the Task Force’s proposal and appropriated funds for the development of the park in 1980. The Task Force became the Friends of the McLean House and Park and continues to run the house today. The house is rented for community events, meetings, educational classes, art shows, weddings, receptions, family parties and other community uses.
The History of the Friends of McLean House and Park
The History of the Friends of McLean House and Park
In late 2022 The Friends of McLean House and Park dissolved. Here is the story of their organization.
In the late 20th century, the historic McLean House in West Linn was a neglected site of peeling paint, broken widows and blackberry vines fifteen feet high. Its transformation into a beautiful 2.4 acre city park and a community center is all the result of a dedicated group of volunteers known as the Friends of the McLean House and Park, which operated the McLean House for over 25 years.
The West Linn City Council appointed the McLean Park Task Force in 1979 to develop a plan for the property. The City had purchased the property from the McLean Family in 1969. For ten years, the City rented out the house while deciding what to do with the property. In this time, the property had become overgrown with blackberries and the neglected house was in need of a lot of work.
The City Council approved the Task Force’s proposed plan and appropriated funds for the development of the park in 1980. The Task Force became the Friends of the McLean House and Park and they went to work fixing up the house and restoring the once beautiful grounds. Thousands of volunteer hours were needed for painting, wall papering, electrical and plumbing work, window replacement floor restoration, blackberry removal, lawn planting and many other needs.
The Friends received help from the Lions Club, Lions Auxiliary, the Seniors Citizens Group, Home Extension, Girl Scouts, area garden clubs, Clackamas County Corrections and the Community College Senior Job Center. Many businesses also donated materials and expertise.
Early members of the Friends include Alice Benski, Judy Nelson, Zell Adams, Betsy Crist, June and Ted McLean, George and Irene Warner, Bruce and Bonnie Willson, Jerry Herrmann, Bill Little, Ed and Judy Zuck, Mike Cullum and Elaine Yandle.
About Dr. Edward McLean
About Dr. Edward McLean
Dr. Edward H. McLean was a country doctor, and treated patients all over Clackamas County. He travelled from home to home checking on expectant mothers, delivering babies, setting broken bones, and even performing surgery.
In 1919 Dr. McLean practiced with Dr. Mount in Oregon City, but went on his own 1921. The McLean Clinic, on the corner of Seventh and High Streets in Oregon City was completed in 1936.
In 1938 Dr. McLean helped found the Physicians Association of Clackamas County (PACC) the first physician sponsored prepaid plan in the U.S. which led to formation of the Oregon Physician Service (OPS).
Dr. McLean is remembered professionally as a compassionate man, a fine doctor, a teacher and a diligent researcher, especially in the field of communicable disease. He was also an innovator in the organization of health care and financial aid for medical students through the American Medical Association.
Architecture
Architecture
Dr. Edward McLean built the McLean house in 1927 for his family. Dr. McLean and his wife Anne helped design and build this lovely modified colonial style, three-story home to suit the needs of their growing family. It included seventeen rooms, a full basement and attic, two fireplaces, and three full baths.
The home was built with the finest craftsmanship the 1920’s had to offer, including handcrafted woodwork, sculptured wallpaper, charming fixtures, spacious bedrooms, a sun drenched conservatory and a complete kitchen. The main stairway, including balustrade, doors, windows, sills, and all moldings are of native walnut.
Architectural rendering of McLean House from the period of its construction.
Grounds & Gardens
Grounds & Gardens
McLean House Park is open daily to the public.
Come visit the well-manicured grounds, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gazebo or on the park benches overlooking the water feature.
Take a tree identification brochure and find the heritage trees throughout the park. In summer, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses in our rose garden.
You can extend your walk along the banks of the Willamette River, which connects to the property. Maddax Woods, our sister park, is close by and well worth the stroll down River Street.
Historical photo of McLean house with vegetable garden in the foreground
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