Читать книгу History of Fresno County, Vol. 5 - Paul E. Vandor - Страница 41

This sketch furnishes a splendid example of the business career of what is commonly termed "a self-made man." From a small beginning, C. C. Crane, the enterprising proprietor of the Eagle Laundry, of Fresno, has mounted the ladder of success, rung by rung, until today he has reached the top of the ladder in his chosen line, and has one of the largest and most modern steam laundries in the San Joaquin Valley; employing about fifty people inside and seven drivers of auto deliveries.

Chester C. Crane is a native of the City of Fresno, born December 30, 1881, on K Street; son of Edgar Crane, a native of Illinois, who crossed the plains in the early 60's, locating at Fresno. He was a carpenter by trade and built the first modern house in Fresno: also the Cooper House and the Ackers Building on K Street. Mr. Edgar Crane died in Fresno aged sixty years; his widow survived several years, dying when forty-two years old.

Chester C. Crane attended the public school of his native city, and as a boy assisted his father in the building business, later following the trade of a butcher. On October 7, 1895, he accepted a position in a laundry, and for five years worked in the Grand Central Laundry, which was located in the rear of the Grand Central Hotel, afterwards working in different laundries in Fresno, where he gained a thorough knowledge of the business in all its branches. In 1909 Mr. Crane started in business for himself, having built for the purpose, a small wooden building, twenty-four by fifty-five feet in size, in the rear of his home at 328 Thesta Street. As the business increased, he took in rooms from his home, until he added the entire house, using the front porch as an office. In the early days of the business Mr. Crane did all of the work, most of it being done by hand. In 1914 he erected a small brick building on the site of the old home, which was razed to make room for the expanding business. Since then he has been compelled to again enlarge his building, and now has one of the largest and most modern steam laundry plants in the San Joaquin Valley. He named his laundry after the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, of which organization he is an honored member. While Mr. Crane was working for wages, he decided in his mind if he ever was fortunate enough to get into business for himself, he would pay his help the highest wages and require the shortest number of hours for a day's work. His laundry is a "Union Shop" and to his interest in the welfare of his employees, together with good work and prompt service, he attributes his success in business. The Eagle Laundry has agencies established all through the valley. The sanitary conditions at the laundry are the highest, and the machinery of the plant new and modern.

Chester C. Crane was united in marriage with Anna Lindstrom, a native of Easton, Fresno County, and this happy union has been blessed with two children: Lester, born July 25, 1904, a graduate from the grammar school, March, 1919; and Lorine, born October 11, 1906, attending the public school. Through sheer industry and perseverance, Mr. Crane has achieved the success which he rightfully enjoys today.