Whether you take advantage of their wash-it-for-you service at $1.10 a pound, or do it yourself in one of the rows of washers of three different sizes, there’s no doubt about it. The Tiny Corner Laundry on Bay and Huddy Avenues certainly takes the drudgery out of the homemaker’s weekly chore.
And while the convenience of the laundry, open seven days a week, is a distinct asset, the spotlessly clean atmosphere is certainly appreciated, or the fact a busy person, man or woman, can drop off his laundry and pick it up in the afternoon or the next day freshly, washed, dried and folded, the truth is…it’s really the women who work at the Little Corner Laundry who make it special.
Owned by Atul Patel, a local resident who also owns another building close by as well as several laundromats in other parts of Monmouth County, the laundry is staffed by Dawn, Michelle, Joann and Sue, each charming, friendly, and very busy at all hours from when the place opens at 8 in the morning until closing at 7. (Sundays, closing is at 6)
Take Sue for instance. Retired after 30 years as a clerk in a busy Credit Union, Sue readily admits this isn’t what she was expecting to do after retirement. But she laughs, “you could say it’s my socializing time.”
Indeed it is. Sue greets every customer like he’s an old friend, shares some stories as she quickly sizes up what they have in common, all the while never stopping any of her many chores during the day yet still giving full attention to her customer.
There are dozens of people, both men and women, she said, who bring their laundry in to have it washed, dried, folded, and packed neatly for a later pickup.
Some do it because their lives are so busy, some do it for the sheer convenience, some because they don’t have a washer and dryer, and some because they do have appliances in a laundry room in their condominium building, but don’t want to fuss with having to find quarters every time they do their laundry.
Even with these customers, Sue has plenty of stories. She giggles a bit thinking about the young bachelors, or first time apartment owners who come in with their laundry of jeans, tee shirts and definitely male laundry for her to wash, dry and fold. Then there will be an occasional female blouse or shirt, then perhaps more personal laundry, “and I think, hmmmm, he’s got a girlfriend now,” Sue laughs, making clear she makes up stories and has fun with all her customers.
The laundromat has been at this location for many years, replacing what was once the Center Market, a local grocery store owned and operated by Nick Frantin and his wife. Today it is a hubbub of activity with great efficiency, helpful staff, and appreciative customers.
On any given day, lined up along the back wall will be bags ,canvas, plastic, filled with laundry customers have dropped off to be done for them. Sue can carry on a conversation with customers using the washers and dryers while at the same time emptying one of these bags, ensuring the proper detergents and softeners are used, and starting machines for the customers who pay that extra $1.10 a pound to have it ready when they return. “I love it when they bring their laundry in in baskets,” the busy worker explains, “then it’s so nice and easy to fold the finished clothes perfectly and place them in the basket.”
A New York native, Sue used to summer in Highlands with her family and still praises all the Honeysuckle Lodge residents who come into the laundry. “We become friends right away, we say goodbyes at the end of summer, then we’re so happy when they’re back again the next year. That’s something else special about Highlands.”
Sweeping the floor, mopping up some spilled liquid and straightening out a few things on a shelf that did not look at all out of place, Sue sighed. “ Never thought I’d be doing this now. I love to travel and thought I’d be traveling places.” But then she stops in her tracks, flashes a great big smile, laughs aloud and says, “But that will happy too. In the meantime, this is my social life., And I love it”
