The First Stream Laundry in Champaign founded by Andy Keusink in 1885

The First Stream Laundry in Champaign founded by Andy Keusink in 1885

Immigrant families; Chinese; Champaign-Urbana

The first laundry in town was the Champaign Steam Laundry founded by Andy Keusink, his brother William, and Andrew Monroe. The three men started the laundry in 1885 when the furniture factory (located in the background) in which they were employed shut down indefinitely. In the same street where this laundry is located, there is a Chinese business in Champaign-Urbana—laundry in the basement of 22 Main St., Urbana opened by Sam Long. At that time, laundries were one of the few businesses that the Chinese were allowed to own. The researcher was not able to locate a photo of Long's laundry.

Unknown

Champaign: A Pictorial History

G. Bradley Publishing

1985

© G. Bradley Publishing

Still image

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