"Wakefield Steam Laundry, established around 1885 by Cox & Cheever, was located on Lincoln Street in the Taylor Building, the former Wakefield Building. Charles H. Cox became the sole owner and later sold the business to Clinton L. Newell. Ernest G. Willard, in the left of the picture with his staff and a 1920-era Ford Model T delivery wagon, bought the business from Newell in August 1909. The laundry, which became known as Wakefield Laundry, occupied a large part of the building for many years, eventually leasing the entire first floor, (with the exception of Taylor Hardware in the front of the building), as well as most of the rear basement and a one-story addition on the north side of the building. Willard was well-known for his attention to detail regarding the business and its equipment, including its fleet of vehicles. A large part of his business involved delivery to Wakefield residents and more than 4,000 customers in 13 area cities and towns. In its early years, the company utilized horse-drawn delivery wagons, later adding a fleet of 'motor trucks' which were meticulously maintained. In 1931, Wakefield Laundry added two light delivery trucks, bringing the number of trucks to seven in keeping with his 'desire to have the neatest-looking laundry delivery service in New England.' During the summer months, Wakefield Laundry continued its services to its vacationing customers by parcel post." Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 2015 Photo courtesy of JC Marketing Associates
