A New Front for the New Year

In the best sense of the word "front", meaning a new attitude of courage and confidence, isn’t that what we all need, and what the old world needs. "a new front for the New Year"?

With this striking new front stretching 172 feet along Division avenue, the building of which has kept Grand Rapids workmen busy during 1933. Otte Brothers American Laundry make their contribution to "the city beautiful," and express their confidence in the destiny of Grand Rapids.

This handsome front designed by Architect Henry H. Turner, with its lofty terra cotta fluted pilasters, its rich black granite base, its gleaming aluminum spandrels and the great American eagles, wings spread, at the pinnacle of the columns, is as modern in spirit as the multiplicity of household services rendered each week by this laundry to thousands of Grand Rapids families.

"A year after we founded Otte Brothers American Laundry in 1881, talk was heard about the necessity of widening Division avenue, for fifty-one years this project has been discussed, off and on, and I am thankful that I have been permitted to live to see it brought to pass. Division avenue is a great street. With its widening, its usefulness as a main artery of traffic will be increased."

"I wish to take the opportunity at the beginning of the New Year to thank our many thousands of customers and friends for their loyalty through the years. Your appreciation of quality service has encouraged us year after year to be alert to adopt every new process, method, and equipment that would enable us to serve you better."

"Out of more than a half century of experience as a laundry owner, I am thoroughly convinced that fair dealing and good-will toward one another in whatever line of business we may be engaged are the true fundamentals of success. We must under all conditions consider the welfare of others. It has truly been a great privilege to serve the people of Grand Rapids so long, and to have made so many friends. My sons, John and Edward, join with me in heartily wishing you a most happy and prosperous New Year."

Adrian Otte, President
Otte Brothers

Transcriber: ES
Created: 7 April 2007
URL: http://kent.migenweb.net/GR/businesses/americanLaundry.html