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Joe Emrick
10 years ago
The Sunshine Laundry and Cleaners building was built in the late '20s or early 30's and was a home delivery service with over 20 routes prior to WWII. The fleet delivery service was discontinued because of he war and never started again. The drive through was added in 1953. It was several years after WWII that Classen was extended to Main St. Until then the Laundry was on the "dead-end" corner of NW 1st. I was there, I know.
My grandmother Ethel Frank worked at Sunshine until 1968. She also lived across the street in a 4 apt building. I played on her front poch balcony straight across from the front on Classen.
Do you know any more history on the building? The sign will be lit again this Monday 11/7/16. Let me know…the new owner would love to hear!
Shirley
10 years ago
I've seen this sign several times while visiting downtown and never really thought that much about it, now I know a little of the life behind it, it's so cool how history can give us such thought. I like looking at all you have done, keep up the good work.
billy
10 years ago
For those who caught it before I did, the last 16 pictures that came up as thumbnails have been corrected! Hope you enjoy the extra detail!
Yes, the drive-through is boarded up. There was a fire in 1989 which destroyed the roof. Currently, after talking to the neighbors, the owner has plans to hopefully turn it into a brewery… This isn’t confirmed, and is still in the planning stages according to the neighbors….
Kool but I’d like to have see more of the outside of the bldg as well. I would of like to have seen the drive through section as described in the drawing.
The Sunshine Laundry and Cleaners building was built in the late '20s or early 30's and was a home delivery service with over 20 routes prior to WWII. The fleet delivery service was discontinued because of he war and never started again. The drive through was added in 1953. It was several years after WWII that Classen was extended to Main St. Until then the Laundry was on the "dead-end" corner of NW 1st. I was there, I know.
When was the last time the sign was lit?
Good Work,Keep it up.
My grandmother Ethel Frank worked at Sunshine until 1968. She also lived across the street in a 4 apt building. I played on her front poch balcony straight across from the front on Classen.
Do you know any more history on the building? The sign will be lit again this Monday 11/7/16. Let me know…the new owner would love to hear!
I've seen this sign several times while visiting downtown and never really thought that much about it, now I know a little of the life behind it, it's so cool how history can give us such thought. I like looking at all you have done, keep up the good work.
For those who caught it before I did, the last 16 pictures that came up as thumbnails have been corrected! Hope you enjoy the extra detail!
I would guess that picture number 46 is of the drive through area with the entrance/exit boarded up.
Yes, the drive-through is boarded up. There was a fire in 1989 which destroyed the roof. Currently, after talking to the neighbors, the owner has plans to hopefully turn it into a brewery… This isn’t confirmed, and is still in the planning stages according to the neighbors….
A brewery is of the many possibilities discussed.
Kool but I’d like to have see more of the outside of the bldg as well. I would of like to have seen the drive through section as described in the drawing.
Ask and you shall receive!
Great little article. I love that old sign, sure hope it survives.