Just off Walnut Street, step through the worn front doors of Swan Cleaners and you’ll likely find Danny Payne in a short-sleeve fishing shirt and shorts, moving between machines in the back of the shop. It’s hot — stifling, really — with steam clinging to the air and no air conditioning to offer relief. Even with every window open and fans on full blast, temperatures often top 110 degrees. For years, Payne kept going in the building he’s called a second home. But after nearly 80 years, the shop’s doors will soon close for the final time.
Payne said he plans to end production by the end of August, citing a mix of rising costs, new federal regulations, and aging equipment.
The business was founded in 1946 by Otis Lee Hicks. His sons, Otis Allen Hicks and Ron Hicks, took over in the 1980s. Payne, who began managing the store in the early 2000s, officially purchased the business in 2007.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Payne said of the upcoming closure. “But the writing was on the wall. The boiler has been running since 1986 and would cost over $50,000 to replace and bring up to code. And with all the new regulations, it just didn’t make sense to keep pouring money into it.”
Payne said a key factor was the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to ban perchloroethylene, a solvent used in many traditional dry cleaning operations. While the ban won’t fully take effect for several more years, Payne said it has already caused disruptions and driven up costs.
“There’s only one company still making the solvent, and they know they’ve got a monopoly,” he said. “Prices are already climbing, and my machines aren’t built for it. I can’t sell the equipment, can’t easily convert, and that’s basically killed the resale value.”
Swan Cleaners once had multiple drop-off sites, ran delivery routes, and served hundreds, if not thousands, of loyal customers. Its main location at 1228 Walnut Street has long been recognized for reliability and personal service.
“I always wanted people to feel comfortable there, kind of like The Andy Griffith Show,” Payne said. “We’ve had customers walk behind the counter, grab candy, sit, and talk. That’s what I’ll miss the most.”
The business has remained a family operation. Payne’s sons worked as pressers, his wife ran the front office, his daughter handled payroll, and other family members pitched in when needed. Even now, the staff includes around 10 people, not counting two seamstresses who continue to work from home.
The Hicks family expressed pride in the longevity and reputation of the business.
“My dad started it after working at Model Laundry,” Otis Allen Hicks said. “Back then, you picked up clothes at the back door, cleaned them, and took them back. It was a different time. But Swan stayed strong for nearly 80 years.”
Ron Hicks said Payne was the right person to take over when he retired in 2007.
“Danny knew the business inside and out,” he said. “He treated people right. That’s why Swan Cleaners was number one in town before the pandemic.”
Payne said the decline of formal dresswear, changing habits, and the impacts of COVID-19 also contributed to the decision. He said Swan Cleaners weathered the pandemic, but business never fully rebounded.
“There was a time when professionals wore suits, dress shirts, and ties every day. Now it’s khakis and polos,” Payne said. “People just don’t use dry cleaners the way they used to.”
Payne is currently negotiating the sale of the building and said it will no longer be used for dry cleaning. He plans to keep the location open for a short time after production ends to give customers a chance to pick up remaining garments. If needed, he has arranged for other local cleaners to help with returns.
“I hate to see it go, but you’ve got to be smart about your future,” Payne said. “This is my shot at retirement. I’m 61, and I’ve been doing this since I was 22. I’ve made a lot of friends and served a lot of good people.”
As for what’s next, Payne isn’t entirely sure. He’s received offers to repair equipment or consult for other cleaners, but his immediate plan is simple.
“First, I’m going to take a couple of months off and go fishing,” he said. “After 40 years in this industry, I’ve earned that.”
