Charles W. Van Vleet, well known in the business circles of Douglas as owner of the Douglas Steam Laundry, came to Wyoming from the far-off Empire state, his birth having occurred in Norwich, New York, September 9, 1875. His parents were James W. and Mary (Brown) Van Vleet. The mother has now passed away, but the father survives and is making his home in Douglas with his son, Charles.
    At the usual age Charles W. Van Vleet became a pupil in the public schools of Norwich, New York, and in young manhood he started out upon his business career, being first connected with a laundry in his native city. He became owner of a laundry in Norwich and also in Syracuse, New York, but thinking to find still better and broader business opportunities in the west, he left the Empire state and made his way to Denver, Colorado, where he remained for a short time. In May, 1911, he removed to Douglas and purchased the Douglas Steam Laundry, which he has since enlarged and remodeled, making it a modern laundry, supplied with the latest equipment and machinery for carrying on the business. He now has about twelve employes and his trade has reached extensive proportions.
    On the 14th of October, 1908, Mr. Van Vleet was united in marriage to Miss Eva Bristol and their children are Warren and Howard. Mr. Van Vleet votes with the republican party, which he has always supported since attaining adult age. He is a member of the Masonic lodge of Douglas and also of the Commercial Club. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church.
    He has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his attention and energies upon his business affairs, and he is truly a self-made man in the best sense of the term. He started out in youth to provide for his own support and has since depended upon his own resources, working his way steadily upward through the wise utilization of the opportunities that have come to him. He is today at the head of a growing business and as the architect of his fortunes he has builded wisely and well.