Walden Cleaners striving 'to do our best' since 1933
Jess and Vivian Walden were originally from Shawnee when they moved to Norman in 1926.
Walden Cleaners and Laundry opened its doors in 1933 under the name, Evans and
Walden, at 121 N. Porter. Evans was Walden's brother -in-law. During the early years, they would hire university students as drivers and a solicitors in the fraternity and sorority houses to bring in more business. Solicitors earned 10 percent of the business they brought in. Evans and Walden encouraged cash and carry, but during the early years 90 percent of their business were charge accounts. Delivery was extra.
In 1938, Jess and Vivian Walden become sole owner of the cleaners. In 1958, They added a pickup station in the front yard of their home at 202 N. Flood, which was run by Vivian Walden. In 1972, the business was turned over to their son, Freddy ,and his wife, Carolyn, who had always been involved somewhat with the business.
In 1978, a new plant was built at 505 Highland Parkway, allowing a number of modernizations: a drive through window, new pressing equipment, up-to-date boiler systems, computerized working machines, one-day service and a large increase in the number of employees.
Today, Walden's has added a west-side location near Brookhaven. Now more than 40 employees work for the business. The cleaners and laundry service offers same-day service at no extra charge for dry cleaning and laundry, with free pick-up and delivery available.
"I was born and raised in Norman in the cleaning industry," Freddy Walden said. "I enjoy coming to work and meeting the public.
"I think attitude is one of the most important things to a successful business. I like to send my customers back something for doing business with me. I have a mailing list and send out coupons to my customers to help with the cost. We try hard to put ourselves in the customer's place and give service like we would like to get ourselves.
"We will always strive to do our best."
The Norman Transcript, February 23, 1997:pg. 3