Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1934-12-07
RAPID GROWTH
OF CLEANING
& DYE WORKS
Begun In 1912, Operation Has
Developed Into Unusual
Proportions
SIZE OF FACTORY is
RARE FOR POPULATION


age, came to Pocomoke City, from
Saxis, Va, and began his efforts to
make living at the clothing cleaning
and pressing business. The newcomer
was Norman J. Lewis.
He opened up in the second story
of what was known as the "Polk
building" located on lot on Market
Street where the "a and p" store now
stands. 1t belonged to the late Emer-
son G. Polk, and he conducted pri-
vate banking business on the first
floor.
Young Lewis began work with a
needle and thread for minor repairs !;
bottle of alcohol or benzine, for
cleaning; and the old tailor's "goose"
for pressing. But he soon showed
the public that he could mend, clean,
and press to their entire satisfaction,
and he soon was swamped with work.
When Mr.. Polk decided to discon-
tinue his banking operations, Mr.. Lew
is rented the lower floor and increas-
ed his facilities for handling his grow
ing trade. He put in steam presser
and small dry cleaner. He turned
out better and better work all the
time, and the support accorded him
made him see visions of bigger things.
In 1920, Mr.. Lewis formed part
nership with George A. Etheridge, of
Virginia and things began to develop.
They bought property on Willow
Street on which they erected a build
ing, Whica they enlarged from time
to time until it reached it's present
expansion of 65 feet front by $50 in
length. They installed all the up-to-
date cleaning, pressing and dyeing
apparatus, representing an outlay of
$4,000 or more, and their building of
$4,000. Their business grew by leaps
and bounds and their outfit drew the
attention of the National organization
of Cleaners and Dyers. The Lewis
Cleaning and Dye Works was an en-
terprise, according to the reports of
the organization, which could not be
surpassed by those in cities of 15O,-
600 people or more and the work turn
ed out in all departments was special
ly thorough and satisfactory.
Lewis and Etheridge employed SO
laborers, and their pay roll reached
maximum of $3.50 to 5000 a week.
They had five trucks on the road COW
ering a territory from Milford, Della
ware, to Cape Charles, Virginia; and
from Easton, Maryland to Lewes, Del
aware, and these always came in with
profitable loads.
In 1881, Mr.. Etheridge withdrew
from the business and Mr.. Lewis
bought out his share of the industry.
Today, the former is still turning out
the same excellent quality of work,
and contributing to the amount of
money put into circulation into the
city. His trucks are still on the same
route and his customers are still
pleased.
Of course, as in every other class Of
trade, the depression has cut into pro-
duction, and Mr.. Lewis has had to
curtail to some extent, but his fac
tory is still on the upgrade. His
machinery is of the highest type. He
dyes, cleans, presses and repairs. His
machine for rug cleaning is one of the
largest, if not the largest, in this Sec
ton of the country. Mr.. Lewis knows
the business from ground up. He is
indefatigable in his efforts and his
factory is big asset to Pocomoke
City. The public will find him cap
able, most agreeable, and he guaran-
tees his work to the limit.