Remembering Clarke's House & Window Cleaning Service

Do You Remember Clarke's?

For many longtime New Haven residents, the name Clarke's may bring back memories of spotless storefront windows, office buildings, churches, schools, and factories throughout Greater New Haven.

What many people don't know is that this wasn't just another local business — it was my grandfather's business.

A Family Business, A City's Tradition

Clarke's House & Window Cleaning Service served the New Haven community for decades and, at one time, proudly advertised itself as "One of the Largest, Oldest, Established Cleaning Firms."

This 1974 calendar, featuring the company's office at 54 Bristol Street, has become one of my favorite family keepsakes. The calendar proudly states "Over 50 Years," meaning the business had already been serving New Haven for more than half a century by 1974. Historical New Haven directories from that era also list Clarke Window Cleaning Company at that same Bristol Street address.

The End of an Era

Like many family-owned businesses, Clarke's eventually closed around the year 2000, but its story remains an important part of New Haven's history — and of my family's history.

Over the coming weeks, I'm going to share photographs, advertisements, calendars, stories, and memories to help preserve the legacy of a business that helped keep New Haven shining for generations.

Help Preserve New Haven History

I'd love your help.

If you remember Clarke's:

• Did your family use them?
• Did you or a family member work there?
• Do you remember seeing the trucks around town?
• Do you have any old photographs, invoices, calendars, or advertisements?

Please share your memories in the comments. Every story helps preserve a piece of New Haven history.

The Clarke Archive — A Community Project

I have an idea that I think could become something truly special.

I'm building what I call "The Clarke Archive" — a collection of every photograph, truck, newspaper advertisement, business card, employee photograph, contract, calendar, and family story related to Clarke's House & Window Cleaning Service.

Over time, I hope to compile this into:

• A coffee-table history book
• A dedicated website
• A YouTube documentary
• A New Haven Museum-style digital exhibit

Given my deep roots in New Haven and the community I've built around local history, I think this project would resonate far beyond my own family. It would preserve the story of a business that quietly served the city for generations and give former customers, employees, and their families a chance to contribute memories before they're lost.

If you have anything to contribute — photos, stories, documents, memorabilia — reach out. Every piece matters.