Mary Susan Littlepage

All kinds of items turn up in the pockets of customers' dry-cleaning clothes.

"My mom found $500 one time," says Anna Kim, of Masterpiece Cleaners, 338 South Plymouth Court. Noam Frankel, who works for The Greener Cleaner, a natural alternative to dry cleaning at 5312 North Broadway, also found $600 and, like Kim, returned the money to the thankful customer.

Yvonne Vasquez, who works with Frankel at The Greener Cleaner, says she found a love letter in one customer's pocket. In the letter a man told a woman he loved her and that he hoped to see her again. Vasquez says, "I didn't want him to think I was nosy." So when the customer picked up his clothes, Vasquez told him just that she found a piece of paper and then gave it to him.

At another dry-cleaning shop, a male employee, who did not want to be named, said that he once found a small straw and a tiny plastic baggie containing a white, powdery substance that looked like cocaine in a pants pocket. As usual, the employee put the items in a plastic bag and attached it to the customer's clothes.

When the customer picked up his clothes and saw the attached bag, his eyes widened and he paid, said "thanks" and hurried out the door.

A female employee busy with customers at South Loop Cleaners, 1248 South Canal, says she often finds condoms, underwear, pens and tissue in pockets.

On the other hand, a male employee at Tower Cleaners and Tailors, 176 East Walton, says he finds "nothing, nothing!"

(2005-05-17)

Also by Mary Susan Littlepage

The Magic Klute
Although Tom Withers, better known as drum `n' bass DJ/producer Klute, was born in Connecticut and grew up in the UK, he says that his heart--in a musical sense, anyhow--is in Detroit
(2005-03-08)

Tip of the Week
Birmingham, UK DJ Surgeon and New York City DJ/producer Dietrich Schoenemann will take over the Logan Square Auditorium for In Your System!, a humongous, two-room techno party not to be missed this Saturday
(2005-02-15)

Special Requests
Chicago hotel concierges routinely arrange horse rides, make plane reservations, or score last-minute seats to a popular musical, but some requests are a bit more demanding
(2005-02-15)

Tip of the Week
DJ Heather and Smart Bar never disappoint
(2005-01-25)

The Fast Lane
(2005-01-25)

Tip of the Week
(2005-01-04)

Industrial evolution
(2005-01-04)

Tip of the Week
(2004-12-14)

Sweet science
(2004-11-17)

The Dallas-Chicago connection
(2004-11-17)

STEP RIGHT UP
(2002-06-20)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment