This “town portrait” of about 114 men, women and children was taken July 4, 1906 in front of Ed Howard’s store and post office at First street and Anthes Avenue. The “Hotel Langley” next door was Langley’s first hotel built in 1891. This was different than the Langley Hotel which was built on the opposite side of the street at a later date.
First Street looking west 1923 / 2013. Martina Primavera stands in front of the original Star Store on First Street (left). Next to the Star Store is the two-story building constructed in 1914 by the Brotherhood of Yeomen. Across the street, Carl (“Charlie”) Lenz stands in front of the built a gas station he built in 1919 to service the automobiles beginning to replace horse and buggies. It burned in 1932 and was replaced by a larger garage.
Intersection of First Street and Anthes Avenue 1914/2013 Following a fire in 1911 that destroyed his original store and living quarters, Ed Howard moved his store and post office to opposite corner of the intersection into the structure built in 1908 as a sports facility called the “Olympic Club” and renamed it the “Langley Mercantile and General Merchandise.” It was ;later run by the Hunziker brothers. The store and post office occupied the first floor and the family lived upstairs. U.S Mail wagon (left). The building became the “Howard Confectionary” In 1916, and the “Dog House Tavern” in 1937.
Langley Marina 1918 / 2010 The steamer Calista approaches the Langley wharf. A creamery, cannery, Sea Breeze Confectionary, warehouses and a large dance pavilion are seen at the foot of the wharf. The dance pavilion held the exhibits for the county fair held at the marina from 1917 – 1920.
First Street looking west 1907/2014 The Anthes General Store (behind stump) is the only building along the south side of the street this side of Anthes Avenue. Stumps still dot the land and line the streets. Telephone poles are beginning to dot the streets carrying the lines of the new “Whidby Telephone Company.” Note the stumps in the middle of the road going up Second Street.
The Langley Hotel built in 1902 burned to the ground on the morning of April 4, 1921. The only thing left standing was the little pergola (behind power pole). No one was seriously injured and a bucket brigade of townsfolk saved the buildings across the street. The lot remained empty until a new Post Office was constructed there in 1939.
1927 Island County Fair 1927 / 2018 The Island County Fair moved from the Langley Marina to the fields next to the School in 1922. Exhibits were housed in the wooden gymnasium (left). This is where the current South Whidbey Community Center exists.
First Street looking west circa 1915/ 2012. Howard’s “Langley Mercantile” (Dog House Tavern 2014) with flagpole shares an awning with the pool hall and meat market. Next are the barbershop, “Blackie” Anderson’s blacksmith shop, and the Livery Stable with the Monson brothers holding a boxing pose in front. The front of the Langley Hotel (also with flag pole on top) is just visible west of the Mercantile. The vacant lot across the street is the site of Jacob Anthes’ store that burned “under suspicious circumstances” in 1910.
First Street looking west circa 1920 / 2014 The Boston Bakery (left) was purchased by Joseph Primavera in 1922 and became the original Star Store on First Street. The adjacent two-story building was built in 1914 by the Brotherhood of Yeomen. Next to it behind the trees was the Post Office (Moonraker in 2014).
Langley Marina 1918 / 2010 The steamer Calista approaches the Langley wharf. A creamery, cannery, Sea Breeze Confectionary, warehouses and a large dance pavilion are seen at the foot of the wharf. The dance pavilion held the exhibits for the county fair held at the marina from 1917 – 1920.
Third Street and Park Avenue 1908 / 2017 Schools at Park Avenue and Third Street. The school with the bell built in 1900. The second building built in 1907 to house the younger grades. Teacher Herrietta Kraber with 8th grade student in the doorway. Original photo circa 1908. The schoolhouses used to be up the hill on Third Street. This was done several years ago when Visser Funeral Home was opposite where the school was. Now it is Lone Lake Physical Therapy.
