Parkers Cleaners was founded by Robert Parker . . . Parker emigrated to Canada from England, and originally located in Montreal. He moved to Ottawa in 1876, and with his sons James and William purchased a property on Sparks Street, which was formerly a church. The original name was R. Parker Dyeing and Scouring Works, because dry cleaning had not yet been established. All items were washed. Business was carried on at the old church until 1903, when a new three story building was constructed more... See more text