The early twentieth century was the golden age for the modern barbershop. During this golden age, many barbershops were classy places. Often barber chairs were ornately carved from oak and walnut and upholstered with fine leather. Marble counters tops held beautifully colored glass tonic bottles and ingrained in the wood and leather in the shop was the smell of pipe and tobacco smoke, hair tonics, pomades and oils.
Photo: Benjamin Coll, Staff Reporter
The warm and welcoming familiarity became a place where men came to relax and socialize. Going to the barbershop was a weekly and sometimes even daily habit. It was a place for men to fraternize with friends and ‘chew the fat’. Today, the modern barbershop is still a place for male camaraderie and conversation.
Jim Reppy, owner and operator of The Barber of G’ville, states that his customers are what he loves most about his job. Jim became a barber after being laid-off from his job at General Motors in the late 1970’s. He worked for his father-in-law, and then bought the business from him in 1990.
Jim says that he used to think that his father-in-law was the smartest man in the world. “He knew something about everything.” Jim said. But soon after coming to work at the barbershop he realized where all that knowledge came from. “It’s amazing what you learn, you meet everyone from garbage truck drivers to college professors. They all like to talk.”
Though today’s barbers no longer carry out tooth extraction or bloodletting practices they still provide an important service. Not only in the cutting of hair but in providing what may truly be one of the last civic forums, where people can gather freely to talk with others in the community. And the barber pole, which once symbolized a place for hair cuts, shaves, surgery & dentistry now stands for a comfortable place to relax, get a hair cut, and join in the banter.
The Barber of G’ville is located at 10661 Highland Ave in historic Garrettsville.
Hours:
Mon: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tue: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wed: Closed
Thu: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sat: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Payments Accepted:
Cash
Barber of G’ville is a member of the Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce. Your continued support of member businesses helps promote the local economy, and funds many of the community activities you enjoy.
