North Battleford downtown looked pretty different in the 1940s to how it looks now. One business that has stood the test of time? Kerr鈥檚 Cleaners, which was opened in 1946 by Chic Kerr on his return from the war and was bought by Battleford native Cassandra Germsheid and Jesse Crozier of Biggar in 2016. The couple operate the business with the help of Germsheid鈥檚 parents, Scott and Jayne Foster.
鈥淢r. Kerr was all about customer service and we still have customers now that remember him and speak of him fondly,鈥� says Germsheid. 鈥淗e also kept his business strong by offering alteration and laundry services as well as dry cleaning 鈥撀爃e was really ahead of his time.鈥�
She and Crozier are now keen to continue that legacy, broadening the scope of the business still further with linen and uniform rentals and a wet-wash option as an alternative to dry cleaning.
鈥淪ome people don鈥檛 like the smell of dry-cleaning chemicals and it is a greener option so it鈥檚 something we can offer our customers if they鈥檇 prefer,鈥� Germsheid says. 鈥淗owever, dry-cleaning is still the best option for some fabrics and situations. We鈥檝e quickly become experts in fabrics and stain removals so can offer advice to customers on the best options for them.鈥�
Kerr鈥檚 carefully handles any item you need cleaned, from hats and some leather items to feather duvets and wedding dresses. It also offers alterations and repairs. 鈥淲e鈥檝e often been able to save something that people thought they鈥檇 have to get rid of, whether it鈥檚 because of a stain or damage to the fabric. These can sometimes be items with a lot of sentimental value 鈥� like afghans made by someone鈥檚 grandmother. And then sometimes it鈥檚 just a case of making your life easier by sewing on a button or fixing a hem,鈥� says Germsheid.
Speaking of making your life easier, Kerr鈥檚 will also pick up and drop off your items, free of charge (within city limits), whether it鈥檚 a single suit or a bale of blankets. Germsheid says it all comes back to Mr Kerr鈥檚 desire to serve his community.
鈥淗e and his wife were both well known for that, and it鈥檚 something we鈥檇 like to continue. Right now we鈥檙e doing small sponsorships and over time, we鈥檇 like to get even more involved,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 all about participating and supporting. Jesse and I have four children, and it鈥檚 important to us that they learn to value community, too.鈥�
Kerr鈥檚 Cleaners is at 1152-100th Street, North Battleford. For more information, drop in, call 306-445-3566 or visit .
