When the car wash was called the car laundry! The car wash season is soon upon us as the weather is getting colder and salt on the roads is around the corner. As a treasured object, owners obviously cleaned cars from the beginning of the era. When it turned into a business, however, is not clear. This is an early example for sure.
From the Digital Collections, Detroit Public Library
Library Descriptor:
Interior view of Automobile Laundry; car wash employees stand near cars; three men wearing hats and overcoats stand in foreground. Floor of building is wet; hoses suspended from ceiling. Printed on front: "Automobile Laundry, 1221-1229 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Mich." Printed on back: "Get the 'look new' habit. Dear Sir, Having installed special equipment and processes for cleaning and polishing automobiles and cleaning engines, we take this means of inviting you (whether you wash your car or leave it to others) to visit our Auto Laundry at 1221-1229 Woodward Ave., between Palmer and Hendrie Aves., and see what we have for your convenience and the betterment of your car. We have a large, light, roomy garage, specially equipped for the washing, polishing and thorough cleaning of automobiles. While you wait. Washing and polishing, 1.50; engine cleaning, 1.50, transmission cleaning, $1.00. Automobile Laundry, 1221-1229 Woodward Ave., Phone North 2302, 'Everything back but the dirt.' 443, pub. by A.C. Dietsche, Detroit, Mich." Card is postmarked June 18, 1913.
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ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century car culture—imagining a car wash in 1913 really shows how far automotive services have evolved. It is amazing to see how something so routine today had such novelty back then. Reading this reminded me of how modern services like cash for scrap metal Logan are now a regular part of the automotive lifecycle, showing just how much the industry has grown in both convenience and sustainability.
ReplyDeleteWow, it's fascinating to read about the early history of car washes! The concept of streamlining car care, especially back in 1913, really showcases how far automotive services have come. It’s incredible to think that such an essential service was only an innovation a little over a century ago. I’d love to learn more about the evolution of automotive services through the years. Learn more.
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