LAKE OSWEGO
A Local Legacy
Family tradition spans four generations
By Patti Jo Brooks, Contributing Writer
Photos by Brittany Jungenberg
Mention Wanker’s Corner to any local resident and you’ll get instant recognition. Both Dubs Tavern and Wanker’s Country Store come to mind. Not everyone, however, will know the rich family history or the market’s storied past.
Back in 1895, John and Dora Wanker purchased 20 acres of land at the crossing of Stafford and Borland Roads. Their son, Walter “Dubs” Wanker built the first Country Store in 1931 on a portion of this land. “It was a mercantile store with a bar in the back, a barber, and it sold feed,” Dub’s granddaughter and current store owner Tracie Tolbert tells us. In 1961 Dubs built a tavern next to the store, which Tracie now owns as well, known to the locals as Dubs’ Tavern.
It was Tracie’s mom, however, that was truly instrumental in shaping the country store as we know it today. After the original store
burned down in 1969, nothing was done until 20 years later when Lois Wanker-Tolbert, Dubs’ daughter, rebuilt Wanker’s Country Store on the same site, property which she now owned. As stated in an article by The Oregonian, September 6, 1990, she wanted to “keep alive the spirit of her ancestors.”
Although both the store building and the property have remained in the family all along, the merchandise aspect of the business was owned for the last 27 years by an individual outside the family. Upon his retirement, Tracie
was able to purchase the inventory, and as of Sunday, September 1, she is excited to have regained full ownership and operations of Wanker Country Store, bringing it once again under control of the Wanker family line. Certain changes are in the making, particularly to the store’s menu items. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Tracie is offering fresh deli-meat sandwiches, which are selling out daily. The store also offers breakfast sandwiches and hand-made breakfast burritos with sales numbering over 130 per day!
Likewise, coffee service is being totally revamped to a stand-alone coffee bar inside the store hosted by Illy Coffee. “We’re trying to do the fun drinks,” Tracie relates, citing seasonal drinks and cold brew, in addition to espresso and other regular featured coffees.
Employees, on the other hand, will be the same familiar faces with a few new ones added in. The store, totally refreshed with new floors and new paint, is open Monday-Friday at 5 a.m., Saturday at 6 a.m., and Sunday at 7 a.m., closing daily at 10 p.m. Watch their website for future offerings of online food orders!
Located at Wanker’s Corner, 19995 SW Stafford
IFURNITURE SHARE FURNITURE TO FAMILIES IN NEED
furnitureshare.org
n the month of October, Mattress World Northwest has partnered with local vendors (Serta Simmons Bedding, Tempur-Sealy, and Southerland) to donate up to 400 mattresses to support Linn and Benton County Furniture Share. Our retail locations in Benton and Linn Counties are also accepting monetary donations going directly to Furniture Share, and their efforts to turn a house into a home for those impacted by devastating wildfires, veterans and local kids.
Many families find times tougher than ever, and as a result live without basics many take for granted. Furniture Share is a nonprofit organization that has been operating since 1998. Their mission is to provide locally grown and locally made healthy foods and redistribute quality used furniture to children, families and individuals in need, thus diverting items from the landfill and supporting under-served members of our
communities. Learn more at: furnitureshare.org/. MWNW is gladly donating to this incredible cause, as well as raising awareness and taking donations on the nonprofit’s behalf. Please help raise funds by donating online or visiting one of their local stores.
Family-owned and -operated, dedicated to providing their customers the best products at the best prices, all while donating to and participating in their local communities, Mattress World Northwest exemplifies the best of what retail businesses have to offer. This proves that not all mattress stores are created equal.
Get a better night’s sleep and help support your local community at the nearest Mattress World Northwest store. They are open every day or you can order online at mattressworldnorthwest.com.
Albany Veteran’s Day Parade with Mattress Millie.
MWNW and Tempur/Sealy has donated over 600 mattresses to Furniture Share.
Sealing Success
John’s Waterproofing celebrates 50 years of service
By Kelly Romo, Contributing Writer
In 1974, John Lombardi founded John’s Waterproofing with a simple but powerful vision: to protect homes from the damaging effects of moisture in basements and crawl spaces. Initially, Lombardi handled all aspects of the business himself, working tirelessly to build a foundation of trust and excellence. His commitment to delivering high-quality service allowed the company to expand significantly, evolving from a one-man operation to a thriving family-owned business with a reputation for innovation, integrity and customer satisfaction. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s clear that John’s Waterproofing has grown and evolved while remaining true to its roots.
John’s determination and hands-on approach allowed the company to steadily grow for the first couple of decades of its operation. The waterproofing industry, however, began to shift in the 1990s with the introduction of products specifically formulated for basement and crawl space waterproofing on the East Coast.
A company called Contractor Nation dove into the science of waterproofing by crafting products and processes that could provide long-lasting solutions for belowgrade spaces. To ensure John’s Waterproofing offered the best to his neighbors across the PNW, John learned about these new
advances, testing and tailoring them to provide region-specific solutions that set them apart from competitors.
A pivotal moment in the company’s history occurred in 2019 when long-time employee Robin Ekloff took over ownership when John retired. Ekloff, who has worked for John’s Waterproofing since 1997, ensured that the transition was smooth, maintaining the same level of service and integrity the company was known for. Under Ekloff’s leadership, the company has continued to thrive and innovate. Adding new services such as electrical work, Cummins whole-home generators and radon mitigation, John’s Waterproofing has positioned itself as a comprehensive home health solution provider.
Over the last five decades, the waterproofing and foundation repair industry has seen tremendous technological advancements, and John’s Waterproofing has consistently remained at the forefront. One of the most significant innovations is the CleanSpace® crawl space vapor barrier, which is a 20-mil thick woven material designed to completely seal out groundwater. This system helps protect homes from moisture and mold and deters pests while improving energy efficiency. In addition to CleanSpace®, the company offers the TripleSafe™ sump pump, which ensures that below-grade spaces always stay dry by efficiently pumping water away from the foundation. John’s takes pride in improving indoor air quality by keeping the space dry at all times to prevent mold spores and allergens from reaching the living areas above.
As a familyowned company, John’s Waterproofing has always placed a strong emphasis on creating a positive work environment and fostering a sense of integrity throughout its operations. Many employees are family members or long-time staff who have become like family. This strong internal culture ensures that every employee is dedicated to delivering the best possible service to customers. Ekloff has continued Lombardi’s practice of leading by example, reinforcing a culture of honesty, reliability, and community service.
Current owner, Robin Ekloff and his wife Shelley 2023
Founder John Lombardi with his wife Mavis
The new John’s Waterproofing building
John & Mavis Lombardi
The company’s commitment to integrity extends beyond its workforce. John’s Waterproofing is heavily involved in community initiatives, supporting Habitat for Humanity, local schools, the Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) and the Mount Angel American Legion. By actively participating in these efforts, the company not only helps improve the lives of its neighbors but also reinforces its role as a trusted community partner.
Since taking over in 2019, Ekloff has introduced several new product lines and services to help grow the company. One of his key initiatives has been expanding the company’s offerings to include home electrical services and installing Cummins home generators. With these new additions, John’s Waterproofing provides comprehensive solutions to homeowners, ensuring their homes are protected from water damage and equipped to handle
power outages and other potential hazards. Despite the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Ekloff has successfully grown the company, and it continues to thrive.
Looking ahead, John’s Waterproofing is preparing for new industry trends. One of the most significant shifts has been the growing demand for basement finishing as more people work from
home. Before converting a basement into a livable space, homeowners must ensure it’s appropriately waterproofed to avoid costly repairs later on. John’s Waterproofing offers specialized services to help homeowners protect their investment and create additional square footage in their homes.
As John’s Waterproofing celebrates 50 years of excellence, the company remains committed to providing topquality waterproofing services and helping homeowners create healthier, safer living spaces. Whether you’re dealing with a wet basement or a damp crawl space or simply want to improve your home’s air quality, John’s Waterproofing offers free inspections and personalized recommendations to meet your specific needs. To learn more, visit their website at johnswaterproofing.com or call them at 503-873-5650.
Robin and John in 2019 when Robin purchased the company
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