Page 3 - FINAL EARLY SPRING 2019 SWHS Newsletter

Langley’s early

stores (1890 – 1930s)

The Langley Land and Improve-
ment Company platted the town of
Langley in 1890 and constructed a
long wharf at the foot of the widest
street, Anthes Avenue, named for
town founder Jacob Anthes.

Anthes Store
The first store in Langley was built by
Jacob Anthes at the S.E. corner of First
Street and Anthes Avenue in 1891. This
location made it the first commercial
structure seen as people came up the
hill from the original wharf. The store
also served as post office until 1904,
with Anthes as postmaster.
The town struggled during the eco-
nomic depression that began in 1893 Jacob Anthes’ store, built in 1891, was run by him until 1908. It burned down in 1910
and lasted until gold was discovered in under suspicious circumstances while it was being leased.
the Yukon in 1897 setting off an eco-
nomic boom in the Puget Sound re- Howard Store about 1903 directly across the street
gion. New businesses began appearing Langley’s second general store was from the Anthes Store. Howard was
along First Street as the population of built by Edward Howard at the S.W. also an entrepreneur and posed a chal-
the town began to grow. corner of First Street and Anthes Avenue lenge to Jacob Anthes; especially after

1904 after the
1903. Ed Howard with family Post Office
and friends in front of the contract was
Howard Store. Clara Howard awarded
(far left) is holding one of their
six children. Ed Howard is
fourth adult from left with the
bowler hat and moustache.

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