Elliott R. Corbett

Elliott Ruggles Corbett
Born	(1884-06-29) 29 June 1884 Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Died	2 May 1963(1963-05-02) (aged 78) Dunthorpe, Oregon, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Banker, entrepreneur, real estate developer
Known for	Ownership and development of significant downtown Portland buildings; leadership in family banking and real estate enterprises

Elliott Ruggles Corbett (1884–1963) was a prominent banker, entrepreneur, and real estate developer based in Portland, Oregon, recognized for his ownership and development of several significant structures in the city's downtown area. Born on June 29, 1884, he passed away on May 2, 1963, at his residence in Dunthorpe. Together with his siblings, Henry Ladd Corbett and Hamilton Corbett, Elliott oversaw the family's broad portfolio of business ventures, banking operations, and property holdings originally established by their grandfather Henry W. Corbett. The premature deaths of their father, Henry Jagger Corbett, and uncle Hamilton Corbett placed considerable responsibility on the brothers at an early age.

His grandfather

The patriarch of the family business was Elliott’s grandfather, US Senator Henry W. Corbett (1827–1903), who laid the groundwork for the Corbett enterprise in Oregon after settling in Portland in 1851. A native of Massachusetts, Henry W. Corbett transported hardware and dry goods from New York by way of Cape Horn to Portland, creating a commercial and financial foundation that played a vital role in the city’s development. He emerged as a leading businessman and served as a US Senator representing Oregon, influencing both economic growth and political affairs locally.

Parents

Henry Jagger Corbett (1857–1895), the eldest son of Henry W. Corbett, was born on November 6, 1857, and died at age 37 from tuberculosis while in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1879, he wed Helen Kendall Ladd (1859–1936), daughter of Portland pioneer businessman William S. Ladd, who collaborated with senior Corbett in various ventures.

Their union produced three sons: Henry Ladd Corbett (born 1881), Elliott Ruggles Corbett (born 1884), and Hamilton Forbush Corbett (born 1888). Both Henry Jagger and his brother Hamilton Forbush Corbett (1859–1884) succumbed to tuberculosis before their father’s passing. Following her husband’s death, Helen Ladd Corbett took on the responsibility of raising their three sons.

Education

Elliott received his education at the Portland Academy, which later evolved into what is now known as Catlin Gabel School. He completed his studies at Harvard University in 1907 alongside his brothers; all were athletes engaged in football and enthusiastic polo players.

At just ten years old, Elliott experienced the loss of his father; his elder brother Harry was fourteen at the time, while their younger brother Ham was seven.

Their mother ensured they developed vital business acumen and leadership qualities by sending them to spend summers at the P Ranch in Eastern Oregon—then owned by French-Glenn Livestock Company and managed by Peter French. During these stays, they honed skills such as horsemanship, shooting accuracy, cattle management, outdoor survival techniques, and fly fishing.

Helen Ladd Corbett also prioritized teaching practical abilities including automobile upkeep, meat carving, and various handiwork tasks—equipping her sons thoroughly for their forthcoming roles in business and society.

Initial Duties

Following the passing of their grandfather Henry W. Corbett in 1903, Elliott and his siblings assumed control of his enterprises, which encompassed 27 properties in downtown Portland, including notable structures such as the First National Bank Building, The Worcester Block, The Cambridge Block, the Neustadter building, the Hamilton Building located at 529 SW Third Avenue, as well as majority stakes in the eight-story, 326-room Portland Hotel.

Within a span of seven years, the estate’s worth increased by more than 500%, fueled by economic expansion and population influx linked to the Lewis and Clark Exposition, an event their grandfather had both financed and chaired.

Additionally, the brothers oversaw portions of the Ladd estate enterprises inherited through their mother, Helen Kendall Ladd Corbett, who actively collaborated with her Ladd relatives—including William Mead Ladd, Charles Elliott Ladd, Caroline Ames Pratt, John Wesley Ladd, and Caroline Ames Elliott Ladd—in managing these assets.

During the First World War, Elliott held the rank of first lieutenant in field artillery at Camp Zachary Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky.

Corbett Investment Company

The Corbett Investment Company was founded by the three Corbett brothers—Henry Ladd Corbett, Elliott Ruggles Corbett, and Hamilton Forbush Corbett—to serve as the family’s investment and estate management entity. Ownership was equally divided among them, with each brother assuming roles aligned with their individual strengths.

• Henry L. Corbett, as the eldest sibling, acted as the primary public representative. His focus included involvement in state politics as a Republican state senator, participation on the Port of Portland Commission, holding various corporate board positions, and overseeing their P Ranch assets.
• Elliott R. Corbett handled management of the family's interests in the First National Bank of Portland and administered estate matters. He also served on several boards and contributed to community initiatives.

• Hamilton F. Corbett held the presidency of the Security and Saving Trust Company—controlled via First National Bank of Portland—and led the Portland Chamber of Commerce. A veteran of World War I, he was deeply engaged in numerous civic organizations.

Their collective efforts centered on managing a diverse real estate portfolio, banking ventures through First National Bank of Portland and its affiliates, along with other investments that demanded active oversight and financing. They maintained either passive or board-level involvement in inherited enterprises such as Union Pacific Railroad, Home Telephone Company, Oregon Electric Railway, Oregon Surety and Casualty Company, and the Portland Hotel, entrusting daily operations to seasoned managers.

The company's headquarters were situated within the Corbett Building at Southwest Fifth Avenue and Morrison Street in downtown Portland—a structure completed in 1907 through collaboration among Henry L., Elliott R., and Hamilton F. Corbett. Their offices occupied a modest tenth-floor suite where they coordinated all business activities alongside their accounting team.

In 1956, the brothers divested their remaining downtown Portland real estate holdings and withdrew from active management of these properties.

After their passing, the Corbett Building—then 81 years old—was demolished via implosion on May 1, 1988 (refer to Portland Buildings).

First National Bank of Portland

In 1869, the Corbett family emerged as principal shareholders of the First National Bank of Portland when Henry W. Corbett and his brother-in-law Henry Failing, alongside Josiah Failing, acquired nearly all available shares. H. W. Corbett owned 500 shares, Henry Failing held 250, and Josiah Failing possessed 50. They promptly raised the bank’s capital from $100,000 to $250,000, with further increases implemented in the following years.

The First National Bank distinguished itself as the sole Portland institution chartered under the National Banking Act, thereby operating as a federally regulated bank issuing nationally backed currency. At that time, other Oregon banks functioned as private enterprises without federal oversight until the introduction of a state banking law in 1907. Henry Failing served as President until his death in 1898, after which Corbett took over the presidency until 1903.

Elliott Corbett acted on behalf of the Corbett estate within the bank, holding positions as Vice-President and director. Following H.W. Corbett’s passing, Abbot L. Mills assumed the presidency and guided the bank’s expansion until retiring in 1927; he was succeeded by C.F. Adams who led until 1932.

To support its growth, the bank inaugurated a new headquarters in 1916—the First National Bank Building—located at 401–409 SW 5th Avenue in Portland. Nicknamed "The Marble Temple," this structure became a symbol of the bank’s strength and permanence.

In 1928, Elliott Corbett orchestrated a merger between Security and Saving Trust Company (affiliated with the bank) and Strong and McNaughton Trust Company, appointing McNaughton as vice-president to bolster leadership.

Following intensified competition after West Coast Bancorp merged with US National Bank in 1928, the Corbetts and other principal shareholders explored ways to increase capital. Concerned about undervaluation of shares and unwilling to dilute ownership or inject additional funds, they ultimately decided to sell.

Transamerica, which owned Bank of America, agreed to acquire First National Bank in June 1930, completing the transaction by 1932. This acquisition ended more than sixty years of Corbett family governance over a Portland banking institution.

Earlier, their other banking interest—the Ladd and Tilton Bank founded by grandfather William S. Ladd—had been sold and merged into US National Bank in 1924 under separate management to safeguard depositors during financial instability. Elliott Corbett had declined for First National Bank to assume control of that institution due to perceived risks.

Portland buildings

Building on properties developed by their grandfather Henry W. Corbett, the three Corbett brothers expanded their real estate holdings through the Corbett Investment Company, creating and owning several prominent downtown Portland buildings, including:

The Corbett Building

Situated at Southwest Fifth Avenue and Morrison Street, the ten-story Corbett Building was designed by Whidden & Lewis and completed in 1907. This structure represented Portland’s introduction to modern steel-frame skyscraper construction. The top floor housed offices used by the Corbett brothers themselves. This building replaced their grandfather’s Multnomah Building on the same site. After retiring from property ownership in 1956, the Corbetts sold this asset. The Corbett Building was demolished via implosion in 1988 to clear space for Pioneer Place, a development by the Rouse Company. This event was notable as Portland’s first building demolition using implosion techniques and drew an audience of approximately 10,000 spectators.

The Pacific Building

Finished in 1925 and located at 520 SW Yamhill, the ten-story Pacific Building was crafted by A.E. Doyle and Associates, with notable contributions from the young architect Pietro Belluschi. Upon completion, Doyle moved his firm’s headquarters into this structure. The site previously belonged to Henry W. Corbett’s mansion estate, which had been adorned with eastern hardwood trees imported from New York by Corbett himself. The Pacific Building was notable for introducing Portland’s first underground parking facility, which extended beneath nearly a full city block, although the building itself covers about half that area. Adjacent to this was the remaining portion of the mansion’s grounds, where Mrs. Corbett resided until her passing in 1936. In 1956, a section of the underground garage located beneath a Greyhound Bus terminal was separated from the main building following its sale. This building is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Corbett Brothers Auto Storage Garage

Known also as the Broadway Garage, the Corbett Brothers Auto Storage Garage was designed by A. E. Doyle and completed in 1925 as Portland’s pioneering self-service ramp garage. Entry was gained via Pine Street, while retail spaces lined Sixth Avenue, Broadway, and Pine Street. Constructed using reinforced concrete, it underwent modifications in 1948 by Pietro Belluschi. This garage is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In November 1956, the Corbett brothers began their retirement transition by divesting this property along with other assets.

Other business involvements

Elliott Corbett held board positions at Livestock State Bank (1914–1918), Portland Home Telephone Company (1911–1918), and the American Mail Line (1947–1953). Additionally, he served as President (1942–1943) and Trustee of the Portland Association of Building Owners and Managers.

The P Ranch

The Corbett siblings held fond memories of their youth spent at the P Ranch in Eastern Oregon’s Harney Basin, which was then part of the French-Glenn Livestock Company under the management of Peter French. The ranch encompassed roughly 140,000 acres with control over vital water sources and leased an additional 622,000 acres of grazing land by 1903.

Following advice from their grandfather's former attorney Charles Erskine Scott Wood, the Corbetts purchased the ranch in 1906—at that time inactive due to cattle sales—and renamed it Blitzen Valley Land Company. They appointed local rancher Bill Hanley to manage operations and revive productivity. Between 1907 and 1913, they invested heavily in irrigation systems to enhance water distribution and drainage across wetlands.

In 1916, they reorganized under the Eastern Oregon Livestock Company (EOLC), selling approximately 40% ownership to Louis Swift of Chicago’s Swift & Company. At its peak, P Ranch maintained around 20,000 cattle but experienced financial setbacks in subsequent years.

From 1917 onward, the Corbetts and Swift operated the Harney Valley Railroad Company to facilitate livestock transport; Henry L. Corbett served as president. In 1918, irrigation efforts expanded with a new ditch constructed along the valley’s western edge. By 1924, EOLC established the Frenchglen Hotel near the ranch to accommodate visiting buyers and business partners.

Facing persistent losses by 1928, the Corbetts sold their remaining controlling interest to Swift. Swift managed operations until 1935 before transferring ownership to the U.S. Government, which sought water rights to safeguard Malheur Lake Bird Reservation. Currently, portions of this land are included within Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, overseen by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Remaining historic structures such as French's Round Barn and the Frenchglen Hotel are registered on the National Register of Historic Places.

The P Ranch gained renewed attention during the 2016 Occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, a prominent protest opposing federal land management policies.

This venture proved difficult for the Corbetts due to its vast size and remote oversight requirements. Elliott Corbett described it as a financial burden despite personal affection for the property. This experience influenced their subsequent approach: steering clear of emotionally driven investments or those lacking direct supervision.

Public Service and Philanthropic Engagements

Elliott Corbett played a pivotal role in supporting charitable organizations, applying his banking knowledge and experience managing the family estate to benefit various educational and philanthropic institutions. The Oregon Voter highlighted his contributions in fortifying financial management and organizational efficiency, noting his skill in pinpointing fiscal weaknesses and operational shortcomings.

His prominent affiliations included:

The Oregon Historical Society

Corbett held life membership and served as a director from 1942 until his passing in 1963. During his presidency, the society secured the Park Block site, a $4.5 million expansion accomplished entirely without public tax revenue, significantly enhancing the Oregon Historical Centre located in downtown Portland.

Portland Art Museum

Together with his brothers, Corbett gifted numerous artworks from their mother Helen Ladd Corbett’s collection. These donations encompassed paintings, Japanese prints, and ancient artifacts from Roman and Greek origins, substantially enriching the museum’s collections.

Portland Library Association

He was a board member between 1911 and 1918. Notably, Corbett defended the Assistant Librarian's freedom to oppose wartime policies, championing constitutional rights amid local disputes during that era.

Portland Community Chest (subsequently the United Way)

As a founding member and director from 1935 to 1945, he held the presidency from 1943 to 1944.

Oregon War Chest

Served as director between 1943 and 1945.

Multnomah County Relief League

Held the position of chairman.

Portland Committee on War Finance

Acted as chairman overseeing the Victory Bond campaign and voluntary funding initiatives for the war effort, including financing Liberty Ships.

The Red Cross

Instrumental in organizing the Portland Chapter.

U.S Committee for Care of European Children

Served as chairman.

Reed College Elliott R. Corbett Loan Fund

Founded in 1963 to provide student loans as a tribute to his legacy.

Elliott R. Corbett Chart Room

Established within The Oregon Historical Society's Library and Archives through a commemorative donation during the construction of their current facility.

Liberty Ships

Corbett contributed to fundraising for Liberty ships constructed by the Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation, including SS Henry W. Corbett (launched March 29, 1943), SS William S. Ladd (September 13, 1943), SS Henry Failing (April 7, 1943), and SS Abbot L. Mills (October 18, 1943).

Clubs

He was a life member of several Portland-based organizations such as the Arlington Club (where he served as president), The University Club, Multnomah Athletic Club, as well as the Harvard Club of New York and Oregon’s Deschutes Fishing Club.

Alta Smith Corbett (spouse)

Elliott Corbett wed Alta Rittenhouse Smith on September 1, 1909, in Portland. Born June 10, 1886, she passed away on September 9, 1976, at age ninety. Daughter of Albert T. Smith and Laura Rittenhouse, her family gave their name to Portland Heights after their residence "The Heights," situated at SW Carter Lane and Vista Avenue.

Alta completed her education at Portland Academy in 1904 with several academic honors. She graduated with distinction from Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts in 1908, also serving as Senior Councillor. Prior to marriage, she pursued teaching, demonstrating her enduring dedication to education along with advocacy for women's and civil rights.

Oregon Journal Editorial on Alta Corbett: Exemplary Civic Leader

The Oregon Journal editorial published after Alta Corbett's passing on September 13, 1976, emphasized her significant contributions to civic life:

Alta Corbett: Exemplary Civic Leader
Alta Smith Corbett passed away at the age of 90, following several years in a care facility.
Although many might no longer recall her extensive achievements,
she was a driving force behind numerous community initiatives, including spearheading the fundraising campaign for the Oregon Historical Society Building with a $100,000 donation honoring her late husband, Elliott R. Corbett.
Her dedication extended across a wide array of organizations committed to public welfare.
She held leadership positions such as director of the National League of Women Voters, president of the Portland League of Women Voters, founding board member of the Girl Scouts, trustee for Reed College and Catlin Gabel School, member of the Riverdale School Board, president of the Portland Women's Union (which managed the Martha Washington Hotel for women), founding member of the Urban League, and served on boards like Community Chest and YWCA Travelers Aid.
Born to Albert and Laura Rittenhouse Smith, early settlers in Portland Heights,
she personified Portland’s pioneering ethos.
Rather than pursuing personal comfort, she dedicated herself to enhancing the city’s well-being.

Her prominent roles within women’s rights and educational groups included:

Portland Equal Suffrage League

Shortly after her graduation from Smith College in 1912, she was appointed by Pacific Northwest suffragist Abigail Scott Duniway to serve on the Finance Committee.

The League’s efforts were instrumental in securing passage of the Oregon Equal Suffrage Amendment in 1912, which granted women in Oregon voting rights and eligibility to hold public office statewide.

Oregon Equal Suffrage Alliance

President from 1918 through 1919

During a pivotal period for women’s enfranchisement nationally, Mrs. Corbett played an influential role in promoting ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. After Congress approved it on June 4, 1919, individual states needed to ratify it to ensure women’s voting rights across the country.

On November 7, 1919, she organized a statewide meeting of the Alliance at Portland’s Multnomah Hotel featuring suffrage leader Carrie Chapman Catt. The gathering supported drafting a petition urging Oregon legislators to convene a special session for ratification.

Together with Effie Comstock Simmons and Grace Harbison Torrey, Mrs. Corbett met with Governor Ben W. Olcott on November 28, 1919. Acting as spokesperson, she requested that he call a special legislative session. When financial concerns were raised, she offered that women would fund the costs. The governor consented provided legislators formally requested it and waived expenses.

Ultimately, Oregon’s legislature held a special session and ratified the amendment on January 12, 1920; Oregon became the twenty-fifth state to do so. After achieving ratification by three-quarters of states required for adoption, the amendment was certified on August 18, 1920, guaranteeing constitutional voting rights for women nationwide.

League of Women Voters

Served as Portland chapter president from 1938 to 1940.
Held the position of national president between 1940 and 1942.
Designated honorary president of the Portland chapter in 1944.
Advocated for the publication The Voice of American Women.

The national Community Chest

In 1933, appointed by Eleanor Roosevelt to represent Oregon at the national Community Chest, the forerunner of United Way, during the Great Depression. Mrs. Roosevelt encouraged Corbett to rally public backing for critical social service organizations.

Urban League of Portland

Co-founder in 1945.
Served as Vice-President in 1947 amid the Portland Vanport flood, providing support to the predominantly Black population.

She characterized the league as "a professionally managed organization fostering interracial cooperation through employment initiatives, education, housing, healthcare, and welfare services."

Portland Women's Union

Held the role of Vice-President.
Established in 1887 to aid working women, it was Oregon's first volunteer group exclusively composed of women. Its purpose was to offer secure lodging for women newly arrived in Portland until they found work or married. Corbett endorsed the launch of the Martha Washington Hotel, a four-story residence accommodating eighty working women with shared amenities and evening classes focused on secretarial training.

The Girl Scouts

Original member of the Portland Board.

Oregon Historical Society

Assisted in fundraising efforts for the Oregon Historical Society Building and made donations honoring her late husband Elliott R. Corbett. The current facility at 1200 SW Park Avenue is situated on land he helped secure. She held Honorary Life Council membership. The society recognized her as "...an inspired and generous leader..." embodying local historical heritage.

Schools and Universities

Riverdale School, Dunthorpe, Portland, Oregon. Board member from 1915 to 1930.
Smith College. Trustee between 1931 and 1939.
Reed College. Regent from 1919 to 1941 and Trustee from 1931 to 1934.
Catlin Gabel School. Trustee from 1949 to 1951.

The Alta S. Corbett Lectureship Fund at Reed College

Founded by her five daughters in 1977, this endowment supports conferences, lectures, grants, and collaborative research fellowships.

The Alta S. Corbett Grants for Research in Political Science, Reed College

A financial award at Reed College designated for political science research projects.

Oregon State Song

Alta Corbett participated on a five-member committee that selected Oregon, My Oregon as Oregon’s official state song in 1927 from a pool of 212 entries. The music was composed by Henry B. Murtagh with lyrics by John Andrew Buchanan.

Daughters

Elliott and Alta raised five daughters without sons, with assistance from Nurse Cochrane.

Caroline Ladd Corbett

Caroline Ladd Corbett was born on 20 September 1910 in Portland, Oregon, and passed away on 28 August 1989 in East Runton, Norfolk, UK. Her education included attending Riverdale School and Miss Catlin's School (currently Catlin Gabel School) in Portland, followed by Smith College in Massachusetts, where she graduated Cum Laude. Early in her professional life, she worked as Personal Assistant to Henry L. Stimson, then US Secretary of State. On 1 January 1934, she wed Ivison Macadam (1894–1974), who served as Director General of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) in London. The couple lived both in London and at Runton Old Hall in Norfolk, raising four children: Helen Ivison Taylor, William Ivison Macadam, Elliott Corbett Macadam, and Caroline Alta Macadam Colacicchi.

Gretchen (Day) Corbett

Gretchen Corbett entered the world on 2 November 1912 in Portland, Oregon, and died on 10 October 2004. Like her sisters, she attended Riverdale School and Miss Catlin's School. In 1934, she married Dr. John Poulsen Trommald in Boston. Dr. Trommald graduated from Yale and Harvard Medical Schools and served as a major in the US Army Medical Corps during World War II. He subsequently held prominent medical leadership positions including chief of surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center and director of the Physical Rehabilitation Centre at the Workmen's Compensation Board.

Gretchen was deeply involved with community organizations such as the Visiting Nurses Association (where she served as President), the English Speaking Union, and the Oregon Historical Society. Politically active, she acted as an Oregon delegate to the 1960 Republican National Convention and played a key role in founding the Oregon Women's Division of the Nixon-Agnew Campaign Committee in 1968. Their family included four children: John Poulsen Trommald, Elliott Corbett Trommald, Susan Trommald Roff, and Peter Gunder Trommald.

Lesley (Judy) Corbett

Born on 13 April 1915 in Dunthorpe, Portland, Oregon, Lesley Corbett lived until 5 November 2013, reaching the age of 98. Her education encompassed Riverdale School, Miss Catlin's School (now Catlin Gabel School), the Branson School in California, and Smith College. She married Dr. Donald Forster on 16 September 1939. Dr. Forster was an internal medicine specialist who served as a major in the US Army Medical Corps during WWII and later held academic appointments at Oregon Health Sciences University. Both shared a passion for fly fishing. Lesley contributed actively to Portland’s cultural and educational sectors by serving on boards for Reed College, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), and Riverdale School. She also supported organizations including the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Society, Smith College, Catlin Gabel School, and the League of Women Voters. The couple had four children: Dale Edward Forster, Robert Douglas Forster, William Lloyd Forster, and Helen Forster Chapman.

Alta (Teta) Corbett

Alta Corbett Thomas was born on 26 May 1918 in Dunthorpe, Portland, Oregon and passed away at age 99 on 28 August 2017 in Sequim, Washington. Her schooling included Riverdale School and Smith College. A devoted nature enthusiast, she was an accomplished horseback rider, fly fisherwoman, poet, and mountaineer who completed solo climbs of notable Pacific Northwest peaks such as Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. During World War II, she worked for the US War Department’s Air Branch G-2 before joining the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), where she attained the rank of Squadron Leader. In 1961 she married Ralph Russell Thomas; together they established a residence and farm on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula near Sequim. In recognition of her WASP service during WWII, she received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2010 at age 92. They had two daughters: Deborah Thomas McGoff and Caroline (Kelly) Ladd Thomas.

Lucy Elliott Corbett

Lucy Elliott Corbett was born on 16 March 1922 in Dunthorpe, Portland, Oregon, and passed away in Portland on 23 October 2007 at the age of 85. She completed her education at Riverdale School and later attended Scripps College in Claremont, California. In 1955, she wed Richard J. Marlitt, a distinguished residential architect from Portland renowned for designing numerous notable homes throughout Dunthorpe and Oregon. Marlitt authored influential books on Portland's architectural heritage, including Nineteenth Street and Matters of Proportion: Portland Residential Architecture of Whidden & Lewis. During World War II and the subsequent reconstruction period in Germany, Lucy contributed her efforts to the Red Cross. Together with her husband, she was a major benefactor to the Portland Art Museum, donating collections that featured works from the American Ashcan School and American Impressionism. Lucy also served on boards and actively supported organizations such as the Oregon Historical Society. The couple had two sons: Thomas Corbett Marlitt and Michael Ladd Marlitt.

Elliott R. Corbett II

Although Elliott and Alta did not have sons, Elliott’s brother, Henry L. Corbett, honored his youngest son by naming him Elliott Ruggles Corbett II (1922–1944). Tragically, Elliott II was killed in action at age 22 during WWII shortly before the conclusion of Europe’s liberation by Allied forces. In tribute to their son, his parents donated the Elliott Corbett Memorial State Recreation Site. A dedicated website commemorates Elliott R. Corbett II at https://www.elliott-r-corbett-ii.com. Additionally, Elliott had two grandsons bearing his name: Elliott Corbett Trommald and Elliott Corbett Macadam.

Recreations

In their youth, Elliott and his brothers played football both at Harvard University and with the Multnomah Athletic Club. He was an accomplished equestrian and polo enthusiast within Oregon, alongside being an expert fly fisherman, as well as a proficient hunter of ducks and quail. His marksmanship extended to shotgun, rifle, and revolver disciplines. The family frequently embarked on camping excursions into the Oregon mountains utilizing packhorse trains. Earlier in life, they sailed along the Pacific Coast aboard their motor vessel Widgeon, fishing for salmon in British Columbia’s inlets. Elliott was also devoted to Steelhead fishing on rivers such as the Deschutes.

Residences

Following their marriage, Elliott and Alta Corbett resided at 243 W. Park Avenue in Portland (currently 1119 SW Park), a former residence of W. M. Ladd located next to Henry L. Corbett’s home—Elliott’s brother. These properties were eventually sold when they constructed a new home in Dunthorpe; subsequently, the Masonic Temple was erected on this site, which today houses the Portland Art Museum Mark Building, situated opposite the Oregon Historical Society Building. Their first three daughters were born while living there.

Elliott and Henry L. Corbett engaged A. E. Doyle and Associates to design two adjacent houses set on six acres in Portland Heights, though these plans were never realized.

In 1913, the couple began constructing a "country cottage" at 1600 SW Greenwood Road in Dunthorpe, designed by Whitehouse & Fouilhaux. This became their principal residence to offer a semi-rural setting for their children. Finished by fall 1915, it was the inaugural home within the newly developed Dunthorpe area on lands formerly owned by William S. Ladd and Simeon Reed. The family moved in by Thanksgiving.

Their estate encompassed 32 acres featuring a two-story three-bay garage equipped with an under-car mechanic’s pit and quarters for staff above; separate barn and stables with accommodations for grooms; a gardener’s cottage; tennis courts; swimming pool; and a children’s play area—all situated apart from the main residence.

Although initially considered unconventional, many prominent Portland families followed Henry Ladd Corbett’s example by building homes in Dunthorpe, transforming it into a sought-after residential district near Portland.

The Corbetts raised their five daughters there. After their eldest daughter married and younger daughters attended college, Elliott downsized the west wing of their home in 1939—removing the expansive formal living room and upper floors—to create a more manageable space for their smaller household while adding a formal west garden for Alta.

The Elliott R. Corbett House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its post-1939 configuration.

Moreover, Elliott and Alta owned a beach house at Gearhart, Oregon, later passed down to their children, along with a smaller beach property at Surf Pines, Oregon. Elliott also collaborated with his son-in-law Dr. Donald Forster to construct the Don Elliott fishing cabin along the Deschutes River in eastern Oregon.