Co-founded and operated Toledo's legendary retail department store with his brother, Ernest. Tiedke's was ahead of its time and a harbinger of the modern supermarket. Ernest, and Charlie opened Tiedtke’s Store in 1893 which offered patrons a chance to make their shopping trip an “experience,” which often included a pipe organ concerts during the day, rather than part of a routine. Tiedtke’s offered a wide variety of unique novelty items and special sales. At one time, the store owned 130 horses which were used to make home deliveries in yellow “Tiedtke wagons.” 

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Charles Tiedke had a fine home at Parkwood Ave. The store's favorite coffee blend was named "Parkwood" in honor of the street where he built his home.

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