Jesse E. Dodd, Sr.
1906 - 1992
The Dodd family migrated to Liberty, Missouri from Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1906. Jesse E. Dodd began his education at Garrison School, the first public School for African American students in Liberty, Missouri. Prior to the 1940s era, Garrison students could only receive an 8th grade education. Jesse completed his 8th grade diploma and entered the work world assisting his father, Robert Dodd, on a farm east of Liberty on Route 10 Highway.
After a few years working on the farm, Jesse applied for a job at L.N. Hicks Cleaners on Missouri Street where he worked until Mr. Hicks death. By this time, Jesse desired his own business.
An advertisement for Michigan Cleaners appeared in the 1961 William Jewell Yearbook, “The Tatler”.
He had become a highly skilled professional in his craft, both in dry cleaning/laundry processes and equipment repair. Mr. Hick’s widow sold the business to a person with limited familiarity in the industry, and within 6 months that individual relinquished the cleaners back to Mrs. Hicks. Jesse then made her an offer she accepted, and she also agreed to serve as the seamstress for his new business, Michigan Cleaners. Not only did Jesse establish a successful business that operated for more than 25 years, but it also provided work for six of his 10 children: Grace, Alice, Georgian, Jesse Jr., William Robert, James Patrick, and employment for other African Americans in the community.
Jesse Dodd demonstrated that a Black man could own and operate a thriving business in a then highly segregated society and continued that operation into the dawning of the Civil Rights Movement.