Ellsworth Tanke & Family: A Lasting Presence in Pendleton

 

Way before his death made headlines in 1931, Ellsworth Tanke was already a well-known and respected name in Pendleton. In 1901, The Pendleton Gazette described him as a friendly businessman who people enjoyed trading with. He built strong relationships with customers and offered a wide range of goods, along with what some called the best ice cream soda in town. By 1902, his soda fountain had become a regular part of daily life in Pendleton, a place where people gathered and connected. The 1902-1907 photo (above) shows Tanke's at it's Chamber's building location.

 

      In 1901, the Tanke family built their home at 207 North Pendleton Avenue (below). The house is a classic American Four Square and remains a contributing structure in Pendleton’s historic district today. With its balanced design, hip roof, and welcoming front porch, the home still reflects the character of the town during that era.

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​​Tanke’s Drug Store itself became something special in town life. It wasn’t just a place to shop, it was a place where young people got their start. Over the years, Ellsworth Tanke hired and mentored many local teenagers, giving them their first real work experience. Employees didn’t just learn tasks, they learned responsibility, discipline, and how to treat people.

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One former employee later looked back on those years with pride, saying he worked “just like I would have if I owned the place,” taking satisfaction in doing things the right way. The work was demanding, jerking sodas, mixing syrups, hauling ice, cleaning late into the night, but it built character. Long days often stretched past midnight, only to begin again early the next morning. Still, those who worked there remembered it as some of the best years of their lives.

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The store itself was full of life. With its soda fountain, round tables, and familiar faces, it became a gathering place for the community. Kids, families, and workers all passed through its doors. For many, “Tanke days” meant more than just a job, it meant friendships, memories, and a sense of belonging.

 

On February 5, 1931, The Pendleton Times announced: “Ellsworth Tanke, Local Druggist, Dies.” His death was a major loss for the community. He was known as an honest and fair businessman who treated people with respect. His store was more than just a place to shop, it was a place people trusted. Many in Pendleton saw him as someone who helped shape the town’s values and business standards.

 

People remembered Ellsworth Tanke as kind, dependable, and always willing to help others. He was not just respected, he was truly appreciated as a friend and neighbor. His passing marked the end of an important chapter in Pendleton’s history.

 

​Even after his death, the Tanke name remained part of the community. The business continued under wife Augusta's and daughter Eda's management for a time, before selling to Clifford and Roma Brookbank in 1934.  In 1936, The Pendleton Times reported the death of Augusta, who had lived in Pendleton for 37 years. Like her husband, she was closely connected to the town. 

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Decades later, the Tanke name was still active in Pendleton’s pharmacy trade. In 1981, the business expanded and relocated to 107 East State Street, modernizing while continuing its long tradition of service before finally closing in the summer of 1992.

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 In 1998, items from the store were sold at auction, including original Tanke’s signs, a store seal, soda fountain pieces, and historic druggist records tied to Pendleton families. These items offered a lasting connection to a place that had once been part of everyday life.

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Together, these moments tell the story of more than just one man, they show how a family and a business became part of Pendleton’s identity. From ice cream sodas, Spanish Hamburgers and first jobs to long nights of hard work and lasting memories, the Tanke legacy continues to live on in the history of the Pendleton.

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