THE STORY OF BROWN’S CLEANERS

1937

Herbert “Pops” Brown comes to Canada from Jamaica, hoping to pursue a passion for singing. He works for the Canadian National Steamship line as a steward, going back and forth between Jamaica and Canada.

1939

The Second World War breaks out. Brown enlists in the army three days after Canada declared war. He becomes an instructor, then is promoted to sergeant.

1945

Brown returns to Ottawa and learns the dry cleaning trade.

Late 1940s

Brown heads to Montreal to open his first dry cleaning business. The business doesn’t find much success; eventually he moves back to Ottawa.

1952-53

Brown returns to Ottawa and sends for his family in Jamaica to join him.

1957

Brown and his wife, Estelle expand the business. They end up with several cleaner locations over the years that follow.

1971

Brown retires due to illness. Diabetes results in partial blindness and he sells the business to his son, Winston.

1977-78

The Brown family sells Brown’s Cleaners.