For a century, Community Cleaners & Launderers in Chatham has stood on the same Queen Street property and has been owned by the same family.
But that could soon change.
Dennis and Barb Day own the business, but Dennis told The Voice it’s about time to retire.
He’s 77 (he celebrated his birthday on the day we reached out to him), and he said he basically spent his life at the 145 Queen St. property.
“I was literally raised in this place. I was brought down here in a bassinette,” he said.
As for a century of one-family ownership at the same location, Dennis just laughed.
“The madness runs deep in our family,” Dennis said.
A great deal has changed at the business over the years, as well as around it.
“I can remember when Queen Street was just a two-lane street,” Dennis said. “Our building used to go out to the sidewalk. In the 1950s, my father built the front to where it is now inside, and tore the old front down on a Labour Day weekend.”
The building used to be a garage several lifetimes ago, at the start of the 20th century.
With such a business longevity, Dennis said Community Cleaners has long operated family to family for many of its clients.
“We’ve got many families who have been dealing with us for generations,” he said. “It’s great to see.”
One thing Dennis said that catches people off guard is the size of the operation. From Queen Street, it appears to have a small footprint, but that is very misleading.
“Everybody’s always surprised at the size of this place. We have a 5,000-square-foot plant. Even the people right next door to us had no idea of the size of this place,” he said.
Dennis said he has reached a point where it’s time to sell the business.
“At 77, I haven’t got the drive I used to have for it. If you’re standing still, you’re falling behind,” he said. “I’m the end of it. I’m the last Day that will be in this plant. We’re going to put it on the market.”
Community Cleaners is one of just two dry cleaning businesses that serve all of Chatham Kent these days. Dennis said there used to be nine in Chatham alone.
But times have changed.
“The big thing is people don’t dress up anymore. Even on Sundays when you go to church, hardly any men are in a suit and a tie,” he said. “Society has changed more than the clothing industry has. It’s just the way it is.”
It’s almost fair time
The 2025 Kinsmen Fair is just around the corner.
The fair, taking place once again outside the Memorial Arena in Chatham, runs from May 30-June 1.
For more information or to purchase advanced ride passes, visit worldsfinestshows.com.
10 years for Antiquated Joys
Antiquated Joys recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Owner Sarah Evans reflected on her time running the shop in downtown Blenheim.
“I’ve found a way to create a space where people feel at ease,” she said on social media. “I’ve been supported through my own griefs, and joys, and with gratitude have been able to offer that same compassion.”
Antiquated Joys is known for its efforts in using fair trade textiles and Canadian-made and ethically sourced goods, as well as providing eco-friendly alternatives.
- Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to bruce@chathamvoice.com.
