Weaverville
Laundromat to celebrate 50 years in business
Penley said his grandfather
By Matt Tate
Gene Penley, his father Jim Pen-
ley and his uncle Bud Penley
Most of us look to guard our opened the area’s first self-ser-
prized possessions. To ensure vice, coin-operated laundromat
their protection, we often put in November 1959 in the cur-
them under lock and key. rent home of Dennis’ Auto Sales
The problem arises when we on the corner of Main Street and
have so many keys we don’t Merrimon Avenue.
know what they all unlock. He said it took several years
Weaverville Laundromat own- for the concept to take hold in
er Dennis Penley does not nec- Weaverville. Until then, com-
essarily subscribe to that line of mercial laundry was done by
logic. He does not even have a wash and delivery services in
key to lock the doors to his busi- the area. His grandfather oper-
ness. ated one of these services that
“The doors have never been reached Buncombe and Madi-
locked in 50 years. I don’t even son counties, including Mars
have a key,” he said. Hill College.
That’s not to say Weaverville In 1984, Penley’s father and
Laundromat is not a prized pos- brother opened the laundromat
session. It has been in the Penley in its current home on the corner
family name for 50 years. of Merchant’s Alley and Central
The town landmark will cel- Avenue. The new location was
ebrate its golden anniversary of built from scratch.
business with free washing and Penley thanked the customers
drying service from 8 am to 6 of the area for their 50 years of
pm on Nov. 7. dedicated service.
From left to right, Bud, Gene and Jim Penley stand in front of
Students spruce up post office
the first location of Weaverville Laundromat. A wash cost 20
cents and a dry cost 10 cents.
Now Stocking
Treated Lumber!
COATS
FOR KIDS!
Join us in our efforts to provide every
needing child a warm coat this winter.
Donate any unused or unwanted winter
coat at either of our two locations. We will
clean and repair them free of charge and
donate them to a local charity.
Now using “DrySolv”, an eco-friendly solvent
for all of your Dry Cleaning needs!
Students from New Classical Academy in Weaverville worked with Asheville GreenWorks on
Weaverville Cleaners
Friday (Oct. 23) to plant bulbs around some of the trees in front of the Weaverville Post Office. 23 Merrimon Avenue • Weaverville, NC
Sawyer Britton, left, and Daisy Homolka dig in the soil. The beautification project at the post
645-3071
office began earlier this year when students from North Buncombe High School helped plant
Don’t forget, you can use our convenient drive-through!
trees.
24 THE TRIBUNE - October 29 - November 4, 2009 www.weavervilletribune.com
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