Historic Langley

The house was built in the 1940's by James Everett ("Ev") and Laila McRae. According to their daughter Martha (McRae) Ericson, "The home was designed by the McRae’s son Alan and built one unit at a time beginning in 1940. Dad built himself a little bunk bed in a corner of the garage and commuted on weekends while the house was being built."

It was completed in 1947 when Mr. McRae retired as manager of the University of Washington’s University Book Store and moved to Langley.

Circa 1948. McRae house with garage in front (Courtesy Jesse Tapp).

According to Jesse Tapp, "The house was built on the middle of three lots owned by the Moses family. McRea was a 'scrounger'. The maple flooring was from a roller skating rink; they spent lots of nights pulling nails. The windows in the living room and some pieces of furniture were also from thrift stores."

The McRaes planned to develop the waterfront property as a both a residence and a conference center for University students and faculty advisors. An annual house party was held to acquaint the new board members with ASUW government problems.

1949. U. W. Board of Control party (Courtesy Martha McRae Ericson).

1949. Ruth Allingham and Phil Palmer bored during Board of Control meeting (Courtesy Martha (McRae) Ericson).

A notebook kept by the McReas during the 1940’s contains many signatures including Bill Gates, Sr. and his future wife Mary Maxwell, future Seattle Councilman Wing Luke, and future senator and Secretary of Transportation Brok Adams, as well as cartoons drawn by students including some by Wing Luke.

Sketch by Wing Luke. 1947 (Courtesy Martha McRae Ericson).

Sketch by Wing Luke. 1947 (Courtesy Martha McRae Ericson).

The McRaes were active in the cultural and religious activities in the community. Laila McRae, served as a librarian in Langley for many years. Tragically, Ev McRae suffered a fatal heart attack December 5, 1952 while repairing a trail to the beach to his property. He was 61.”

The next owner was Dr. Thomas Corlew who had an office in the building next to the park at Second Street and Anthes Ave. Dr. Corlew sold the property to Dr. Donald Purdy who arrived in Langley in 1954 and practiced here until 1976 when he moved to Georgia as director of the Family Residency Program at the Medical Center of Central Georgia.

Doctor Purdy’s wife, Gwen, was a painter and built a studio on top of the garage. She painted the picture of the Cascades that resides in a display case 
along Cascade Ave. in Langley. The Purdys sold the house to Dale Elliott and Roberta Sawyer who sold it to Dr. Jesse Washington Tapp in 1988.

A second story walkway from the garage to the main house was added by Dr. Tapp, and the railing on the second story porch was replaced. in 2010. The widows on the south side of the living room were replaced, but the original windows remain elsewhere.

2004. Second story above garage (Courtesy Jesse Tapp).

Jesse Tapp died August 5, 2011 and the home was subsequently purchased by Jason Wasky in 2014.

2020. McRae House (Courtesy Robert Waterman).