By Miles Layton

Last week, God moved me to take a walk to Rochelle Cleaners to speak with the owner, Frank Edmondson, and learn about the business before it closes after 80 years of service to Edenton and Northeastern NC. Though Edmondson, 62, has a few good leads on selling the dry cleaning business, if things don’t work out, he has definite plans to retire.  

Unless something changes, the last day to drop off clothes was Saturday, though customers can still pick them up until Saturday, Jan. 31 — last day! However, I’d make the trek to the cleaners sooner rather than later.

I’ll say that again — folks, you need to pick up your clothes, that special academic/graduation robe, whoever owns the Grinch outfit, uniforms, suits, dresses — come get it because the doors close Jan. 31. Edmondson said he’s going to call folks to tell them to pick up their clothes, but… my advice — If you have any questions or don’t remember if you have any stuff hanging at the cleaners, call 252-482-2616.

Edmondson offered me a rare opportunity – I worked behind the counter on Friday when multiple people came into the store – Clara Stage, Derrick Armstead, John Morehead, Erica Taylor, Cam Byrum, Mary Ervin, and so many other familiar faces in town – all of them wishing the business would remain open. I got caught up on the latest news and gossip – which is great for being a longtime community reporter. Women’s Club has some great things happening, and a prominent businessman and his family are planning to move to Greenville. Talking to folks – same warm atmosphere as being in Edenton Coffee Shop in the mornings.    

Yes, Rochelle Cleaners is an institution – it cleans school marching band uniforms, judges’ black robes, business suits, American flags for veterans’ coffins, military and law enforcement uniforms, lawyers’ business suits and ties, and even the Grinch’s costume from the recent Christmas parade. If a white knight can’t be found to save the best dry cleaning business around these parts, then the closest dry cleaners is probably a choice between either Elizabeth City or Williamston. 

So, keep your fingers crossed that Edmondson can find a buyer, but in any case, be sure to wish Frank a happy retirement.  

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EDENTON — For more than 80 years, clothes have come and gone through the front door of Rochelle Cleaners in Edenton — pressed, folded, mended and returned to their owners with care. Now, that steady rhythm is coming to an end.

After nearly three decades in the dry-cleaning business and more than a decade at Rochelle Cleaners, owner Frank Edmondson is closing the longtime fixture in Edenton and preparing for a new chapter in Raleigh.

“Patsy McGee ran it for 30 some years and her mother ran it for 40 years before that,” Edmondson said. “And I’ve had it since 2013, ’14, somewhere in that range.”

Before buying Rochelle Cleaners, Edmondson had already built a career in the industry. He purchased Albemarle Cleaners in 1998 and later merged the two operations.

“I bought Albemarle Cleaners in ’98,” he said. “So I’ve been doing this for almost 30 years. What’s that? 28 years? If my math’s right.”

Now, at age 62, with his 63rd birthday approaching in May, Edmondson says it is simply time to step away.

“I’ve just had enough,” he said. “It’s just time.”

A business shaped by family and circumstance

Dry cleaning runs in the family — His father, Arthur, was a bank executive who purchased a dry cleaner’s for his son, Buddy, to manage in Tarboro. His other brother, Shelton, bought a dry cleaner’s in Rocky Mount. Edmondson, meanwhile, was working as an accountant and later became the chief financial officer of Southeastern Cellular.

Edmondson did not plan to become a dry cleaner. In fact, he once swore he never would.

“Stupidity,” he said with a laugh, when asked how he got into the business.

Edmondson believes dry cleaning will never disappear.

“It will always be needed,” he said. “Wool, rayon, silks, starch.”

Still, the industry is changing.

“You want one central plant and drop stores,” he said. “Vans going out every day.”

He says Rochelle Cleaners was well-positioned for that model, but it would require new energy.

“It needs some new energy and a focus on innovation,” he said. “I’m burned out.”

Edmondson remains open to consulting for a new owner.

“I could train anyone to do this in a week,” he said. “I’d help them get things going.”

When the doors close, Edmondson knows he will miss the people most of all.

“I’m going to miss it,” he said. “There’s a lot of people here I’m going to miss.”

Edmonson’s wife, Lucy, a prominent attorney, lives in Raleigh — because of the dry cleaning business in Edenton, the longtime married couple lives apart except on weekends.

“I got tired of having a ‘weekend’ marriage — I’m ready to reconnect with my wife after 17 years of living apart with her in Raleigh and me in Edenton,” he said.

With no buyer for Rochelle Cleaners, Edmondson chose to close.

“I don’t want to be worried about something down in Edenton when I’m up there in Raleigh,” he said. “It’s just time.”

Edmondson plans to stay active in Raleigh.

“I can’t just sit at home with the dog (Zeus) all day,” he said.

As for Edenton, he worries about what comes next.

“There’s one in Elizabeth City and Williamston Cleaners is good,” he said. 

For some customers, the loss will feel personal.

“You’re it,” one customer told him. “For the entire county.”

Edmondson takes pride in what Rochelle Cleaners has meant to the community.

“The proudest I’ve ever been of the company,” he said, recalling the story of the stapled $2 bill. “That’s what it’s about.”

After decades of pressing shirts, rescuing wedding dresses, returning lost cash and building trust, Edmondson says he leaves with mixed emotions.

“I’m very mixed on it,” he said. “But it’s just time.”

When the last garment is picked up, and the lights go out Jan. 31, Rochelle Cleaners will close not just as a business, but as a chapter in Edenton’s everyday life — one shaped by quiet craftsmanship, honesty, and relationships that lasted far longer than any crease.