The following narrative is paraphrased from the National Register Nomination for the Alaska Steam Laundry.

In 1894, Mr. and Mrs. E.R. Jaeger of Tacoma, Washington, flipped a coin to determine whether they should move to Hawaii or Alaska.

Alaska won.

Having chosen Juneau as the most promising business location in the Alaskan Territory, Jaeger arrived there in 1895. A large population of unmarried miners and millworkers made laundry and cleaning lucrative enterprises. After leasing the Juneau Steam Laundry, located in log cabin on a hillside, Jaeger sent for his wife who sailed on the maiden voyage of the new flagship of the leading Alaska line, Willapa.

The couple lived for several years in a cabin adjoining the laundry then moved with their young daughter to a larger building on Front Street.

Around 1900, Jaeger decided to build a showcase operation with outlets in Apollo, Valdez, Sitka, Ketchikan and Wrangell. He named his enterprise Alaska Steam Laundry to indicate its scope.

The Victorian building which survives today is essentially unchanged.