LAUNDRY LEGEND Jem Lee Cleaners, established 1894 No Ticket, No Laundry!” remember that phrase? Well, it can be said that it stared in1894 in Darien at the Jem Lee Cleaners. Since November 1994, Gloria and John Cheung have opened what might be one of the oldest businesses in Darien: Jem Lee Cleaners. Located at 10 West Ave, across from the Darien train station; this Chinese Hand Laundry has a history that traces its roots back to at least 1894. Since assuming control of Jem Lee Cleaners 1995 from Suzy and Sears Wong, who operated the establishment for 47 years at the same location, the Cheungs have added dry cleaning services to the traditions and quality offered by the Chinese hand laundry’s previous four owners. Recognized by a legion of loyal customers, Jphn and Gloria continue the “lost” art of fiat folding shirts rendered exquisite by a proprietary starching of only the collar, cuffs and front button placket. The Cheungs have added new services at the modernized in-store plant, such as tailoring, pick-up and delivery, bed and table linen laundering. Louis Fook stared Jem Lee Cleaners in 1894. In the 1930s, it transferred to Jem Lee and then to the Chin family. In 1947 the Wongs assumed control until Gloria and John Cheung took over in 1994. What is amazing about these families is that they all migrated from the same village of Tai Shan in South China near Hong Kong. I visited with Mrs.and Mr. Cheung during their lunchtime. Both Gloria and John were kind enough to treat me to a hearty bowl of noodle soup. I asked John why his business was still called Jem Lee Cleaners, he answers very simply, “ It has become a trademark why change?” Mr. Chung’s Jem Lee Cleaners has become locally famous for its art of flat folding shirts, “It all started with my grandfather, be was a very frugal man.” “No he was not in the cleaning business; he just cleaned and starched his own shirts. Starch in Hong Kong is very expensive, so he only starched the collar, its cuffs and the front portion where the buttons are. This idea serves two important purposes, saves money on starch and in the summer time especially, a shire that is not fully starched is much more comfortable to wear.” Mr. Cheung goes on to note that a very satisfied customer Daryle Milciche has told him, “ Jem Lee Cleaners and their special handling of my shirts have lengthened the years that they last.” Gloria and John Cheung proudly gave a tour of their shop. They have upgraded it with modem equipment. A new dry cleaning machine, plus a special steam-pressing gadget which ejects pollutants from the dry cleaning process prior to the ironing of pants and other garments. Mr. Cheung told me that most of his customers have their cleaning delivered; however, its location has proved a great plus for commuters because of its proximity to the train station. As we finished our lunch, I asked them if they had any hobbies, “Mr. Lou, yes, three times a week after along day in the shop, I drive 70 miles round trip to Chinatown and then to our home in Greenwich, My wife Gloria, takes a nap while I drive to our favorite restaurant called Great New York Noodle Town. On the way home, Gloria rests in the car and is ready after a great, late dinner before our next day at our laundry, Jem Lee Cleaners!” Do you need reweaving on your cashmere sweater, mending of your favorite carpet? Or just special attention to your dry cleaning and laundry service? What can I say? Jem Lee Cleaners has been serving Darien since 1894 and will be for a long time to come.