In the 1860’s, lumber became the 2nd largest industry in the Tawases. Just east of Tawas City along Tawas Bay a mill site was built. Worker’s began to refer to this area as “East Tawas.”
Jump ahead to July 4th, 1948, you will find the Pendleton Frontier Shop opening it’s doors. T. Joseph O’Connor began managing the Pendleton store for brothers Joe and Bill McNally.
The first addition came in 1952, adding 600 sq. feet to the structure. Originally, the business was a traditional men’s store. With the extra space came increased selection, including women’s apparel. Three years late, a second addition allowed the entrepreneurs to add gifts and furniture to their merchandising mix.
By 1959, the McNallys had become interested in selling their business. Business partners Joe O’Connor and John O’Brien assumed ownership.
In 1977, Joe & Isabel O’Connor purchased O’Brien’s interest in the company and the name was changed to O’Connor’s Pendleton Shop.
Tim O’Connor and John O’Connor, sons of T. Joseph and Isabel O’Connor owned and operated the store until 2019. Aimee O’Connor, daughter of Tim O’Connor, is keeping the traditions alive as the 3rd generation owner.