The Chapman House was designed by architect James J. Gathercoal. He also designed many of the Fraternity and Sorority buildings here in Corvallis. The house features Chapco board for the interior walls and ceilings, and also for the exterior siding and roofing. The roofing simulated large slate tiles and survived the storms and sunshine until replaced in 1985. Chapco board was manufactured from wood byproduct.
Many manufacturers now make similar products and the market is very competitive.
Ralph created many styles of Chapco board as well as fiber clad composition boards, a unique home freezer, and a twin rotor helicopter. About 1950 Ralph sold Chapman Manufacturing to Evans Products of Corvallis. The plant exists today at the confluence of the Marys and Willamette rivers, near Chapman Place. We acquired this property in 1979 and have attempted to maintain and restore its original look and feel. We were fortunate in knowing Ralph's widow Fern and to acquire some of the original custom built furniture.