Architectural rendering of McLean House from the period of its construction.
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.
Historical photo of McLean house with vegetable garden in the foreground
When planning his home, McLean chose a four-acre site on the beautiful Willamette River, overlooking Oregon City. He purchased the site in 1922 from the Moody Investment Company and developed it into an arboretum of grand trees, shrubs, a vegetable and flower garden, tennis court, pony barn, and plenty of room for the McLean children to explore with their friends.
Anne McLean eagerly participated in a variety of family and community endeavors, and she particularly enjoyed her rose garden. Today, the giant sequoias stand where the vegetable garden was. Of the original 4-acre site, 2.4 acres remain after the construction of the George Abernathy Bridge.
Edward and Anne McLean
Edward and Anne 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.
