Dexter Clemmon’s Hi-Way Cleaners

Dexter Clemmon’s started Hi-Way Cleaners during WWII in a small wooden building not too far from Miss Dollie’s. The two businesses formed a hub around which much of the community gathered. Dexter’s business was seldom called by its given name. Instead everyone referred to it as The Pressing Club. Dexter’s son Lorenzo joined his father in business in the 1950’s. In 1956 they replaced the wooden building with a brick one. Dexter was very popular in Southport. He was especially popular with children. They called him The Cookie Man because he always carried cookies with him to share with them when he delivered laundry and drycleaning to neighborhood homes. They were always happy to see The Cookie Man arrive. Dexter worked at The Pressing Club for over 50 years until his death in 1992 at the age of 85. Lorenzo and his wife kept the cleaners open for two more years. By then Lorenzo was 65 years old and he was ready to retire and do a little fishing.