Tanner tale.

• Author: Mildenberg, David
• Position: NC TREND: Western Region

The Tanners and Rutherfordton fit together like Belk and Charlotte, Cone and Greensboro--apparel-related families that have played key community roles for generations. That makes the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Tanner Cos. in January particularly disappointing.

The Tanners helped start textile mills in Rutherford County in the early 20th century and led the incorporation of Spindale in 1923. Bobo Tanner Jr. and his wife, Millie, were investors in the Lake Lure Inn, which opened in 1927, according to a history authored by retired professor Anita Price Davis. The couple lost money in the 1929 stock market crash but rebounded two years later by starting Doncaster Collar and Shirt.

Since then, two more generations of Tanners have run the business, which evolved into making and selling women's apparel through private appointments typically at customers' homes. At its peak, more than 2,000 consultants sold Doncaster wares, which are aimed at well-heeled women who prefer the social aspect of home-shopping parties.

The family also has made a philanthropic impact. Since 1952, dozens of UNC Chapel Hill professors have won stipends sponsored by the Tanner family to reward outstanding undergraduate teaching.

Tanner officials wouldn't discuss the filing beyond a statement by Elaine Rudisill, a Charlotte consultant whose title is chief restructuring officer: "The plan is to reorganize and continue to operate for another 85 years." She works for...