700 South Osprey – The Lily White Cleaners
The building at 700 South Osprey has housed a laundry since 1925. Originally named “The Lily White Laundry”, several additions and changes have been made over the years to reflect the growth of the business and the industry.
David Allan Applas moved to Sarasota during the 1920’s boom-time, he established the laundry. In the 1940’s the business was purchased by Paul Hayo and then run by his son Herschel during 1940s.
Herschel purchased two additional lots and expanded the building to offer drive-up service, in addition to the existing pick-up and delivery service. Herschel Hayo became active in city politics in the 1950s, serving six years as a city commissioner (2 years being mayor).
The building is a somewhat rare example of a large utilitarian style industrial building existing in Sarasota from the boom-time era. Built out of cement block, the structure faces Novus Street. Some of the original 6/1 double hung sash windows are still in place.