Always suspected I was noticeably older than the average Leonard groupie and this thread proves it, to wit: a) the dorms and Greek houses in Iowa City in 1964 had their own laundries so the girls in the laundromat's were upper class-women/independents, I also had aged out of the dorm, every laundromat was within a couple doors of a bar, and b) am I the only one to remember the '64 classic "Leader of the Laundromat" by the Detergents? Google it, and Richard and I will sing it for you Thursday evening.
A little kindness can help each of us. You gave a gift to the man and in return you also felt good to be able to share. ( Side note- my parents owned and operated a Westinghouse Laundromat for about 15 years. I worked in it every morning at 5:30am until I graduated from high school. Also had to do spot checks and clean ups as often as could. Got paid $20 a month my senior year but only if bought a savings bond with it)
Ottumwa has a laundromat in the middle of downtown with the same owners. I have heard nothing but good things about it. New, clean, and inviting, a welcome addition to our community!
Thank you once again for your inspiring writing. I am the second oldest of a family of 8 with a mother who worked evenings. In fifth grade I washed clothes for our family in our basement, with the exact model of machine in your picture. I pulled out clothing with a fat dowel but usually had to push clothes up to the edge with my fingers. Got my arm stuck a couple of times. Never broke any bones just a skin burn or two - there was a quick release bar like Gordon Schenck mentioned. Thankful for release bars.
The attendant being handed the rose - in the photo- is my high school classmate. What a beautiful moment to capture. I grew up without indoor plumbing and washing clothes was a constant heartache, really and truly. I’m grateful there’s a clean and welcoming laundry mat in the area. A blessing.
Always suspected I was noticeably older than the average Leonard groupie and this thread proves it, to wit: a) the dorms and Greek houses in Iowa City in 1964 had their own laundries so the girls in the laundromat's were upper class-women/independents, I also had aged out of the dorm, every laundromat was within a couple doors of a bar, and b) am I the only one to remember the '64 classic "Leader of the Laundromat" by the Detergents? Google it, and Richard and I will sing it for you Thursday evening.
Yes, I watched the video! It was fun.
Hilarious! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMoen8uA-kg
A little kindness can help each of us. You gave a gift to the man and in return you also felt good to be able to share. ( Side note- my parents owned and operated a Westinghouse Laundromat for about 15 years. I worked in it every morning at 5:30am until I graduated from high school. Also had to do spot checks and clean ups as often as could. Got paid $20 a month my senior year but only if bought a savings bond with it)
Ottumwa has a laundromat in the middle of downtown with the same owners. I have heard nothing but good things about it. New, clean, and inviting, a welcome addition to our community!
That will be my next visit!
2 simple things that impacted 2 individuals and those who witnessed it. Awesome!
an article with happy news and kindness. thanks for telling us about it.
paying it forward, as some folks advocate
What a wonderful story in a world that too often forgets the real meaning and power of kindness!
Thank you once again for your inspiring writing. I am the second oldest of a family of 8 with a mother who worked evenings. In fifth grade I washed clothes for our family in our basement, with the exact model of machine in your picture. I pulled out clothing with a fat dowel but usually had to push clothes up to the edge with my fingers. Got my arm stuck a couple of times. Never broke any bones just a skin burn or two - there was a quick release bar like Gordon Schenck mentioned. Thankful for release bars.
Thanks Denise! Good to see you at the IFU.
I love starting a Deep Midwest substack story and think "where is this going to land?" I'm always surprised, never disappointed.
A lovely story and another example of the kindness you regularly give others.
Thank you!
Nice story
A lovely story. I think you might enjoy this:
https://youtu.be/Tw1g_2NPjoI?si=vrMTRgs9HjnWfAIg
So fantastic! Thank you so much! Love it!
I'm in a meeting, but will check it out later.
What a hoot! Thanks for sharing!
Inspiring!
The attendant being handed the rose - in the photo- is my high school classmate. What a beautiful moment to capture. I grew up without indoor plumbing and washing clothes was a constant heartache, really and truly. I’m grateful there’s a clean and welcoming laundry mat in the area. A blessing.
Thank you for being you
Love this.