Historic Langley

1949: Residence

Circa 1975. Arrow indicates building with attached barn facing McLeod Alley (Courtesy South Whidbey Historical Society).

The building was constructed in 1949 as a residence with an attached barn. According to Mark Myers, the Meyers family lived there from 1967 to 1968. Langley Mayor Leo Lee owned it and sold it to Alf R. Hagen. Ron Lind remembers renting the barn from Leo Lee for storage.

2004. Golden Otter Books (Courtesy Robert Waterman).

Geraldine ("Geri") Galpin ran "Golden Otter Books" in the building for a few years.

2005: Island Coffee House & Books

2007. Island Coffee House & Books (Courtesy Robert Waterman).

In 2002, a group of residents formed a non-profit organization called the "South Whidbey Commons" to foster a healthy south Whidbey Community. According to a history of the South Whidbey Commons, "In 2005, Island Coffeehouse & Books opened in the former Golden Otter Bookstore as a program of the South Whidbey Community Engagement Center. In 2006, Island Coffeehouse & Books bought the bookstore."

"In 2007, South Whidbey Commons became the umbrella organization for Island Coffeehouse and Books. In 2008, the building was purchased by the Commons. In 2010, the name was changed to South Whidbey Commons Coffeehouse Bookstore."

"Their leadership and volunteers developed the barista training program, fostered youth involvement, and initiated many activities, including Friday Night Live."

2010: South Whidbey Commons Coffeehouse Bookstore

2018. South Whidbey Commons (Courtesy Robert Waterman).

A number of improvements were made to the building and grounds.

2007. North side of former barn (Courtesy Robert Waterman).

The former barn was incorporated into the building and had its own address, 113 McLeod Alley.

2018. North side of South Whidbey Commons (Courtesy Robert Waterman).

Due to restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, an outdoor seating area was established in 2020.

2021. Outdoor seating area (Courtesy Robert Waterman).