Staunton Steam Laundry closes after 108 years Staunton Steam Laundry opened in 1912. The Beam family kept it going for 108 years until the pandemic hit, and they decided to sell. (Source: WHSV) By Simone McKenny | December 15, 2020 at 8:11 PM EST - Updated December 15 at 8:11 PM STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) â In 1912, Lee and Tom Beamâs grandfather Robert Beam and his wife Mae opened Staunton Steam Laundry, and would stay in the Queen City for the next 108 years before shutting its doors. âHe was a smart enough businessman to say, you took it as far as you could, now itâs ti...