The Street Seen: Santa Monica Steam Laundry
Colorado Avenue @ 7th
In 1896, Santa Monica’s first steam laundry, the Santa Monica Steam Laundry, opens. In 1898, the laundry is acquired by Alf Morris, who moves the plant to 5th & Broadway, and then in 1899 to 7th & Colorado. In 1905, Morris sells the laundry to the Lorbeer Brothers who are opening a laundry plant at Main & Hill.
Up till 1897, Santa Monica residents send their laundry to Los Angeles (Los Angeles Steam Laundry). Santa Monica residents J.G. King,1 E.E. Synge,2 and A.G. Gayford.3 incorporate Santa Monica’s first steam laundry, the Santa Monica Steam Laundry, with capital stock of $10,000, in 1896.
In 1898, future Santa Monica Mayor, Alf Morris,4 acquires the Santa Monica Steam Laundry.
Morris moves the laundry plant to 5th & Broadway, and then in 1899, to 7th & Colorado (Railroad).
In 1905, Morris convinces the Lorbeer Brothers, who are opening the Ocean Park Steam Laundry at NEC Main St & Hill, to buy his Santa Monica Steam Laundry.5
James Gideon King (1861 – 1907). Despondent over poor health kills himself at the Kensington in Santa Monica.
Edward Elliott Synge (1868 – 1949). Born in England, Synge comes to the US in 1883. He marries Nancie Sabrina Stevens (1863 – 1932) in 1893. Dies in San Diego.
Arthur G. Gayford (1842 – 1908). Born in England, Gayford comes to the US in 1872. He is a senior warden and organist at the St Augustine Parish in Santa Monica. He is president of the Santa Monica Steam Landry Company. Dies in Los Angeles.
Alfred D. Morris (1852 – 1912) Morris, born in England, he arrives in New York City 1887 and spends two years traveling in the US. He is in the hotel business in Chicago. Morris marries Annette J. Olsen (1864 - 1933) in New York in 1890. He comes to Santa Monica in 1894, operating the New York Kitchen restaurant on Broadway and 2nd. In 1898, he purchases the Santa Monica Steam Laundry, operating the same until 1905. After selling the laundry to the Lorbeers, Morris builds the Kensington Apartments on Ocean Ave. Morris makes several profitable real estate deals and becomes one of Santa Monica's most substantial property owners. He is elected to the Santa Monica City Council in 1907 and chosen as mayor.
The Lorbeer Brothers buy the 3 lots at 7th & Colorado plus the laundry plant for $20,000.