5.24.2011

The End of an Era

This clock has hung in this spot as long as I can remember. My dad has come to a difficult decision.The time has come for him to close the barber shop he has occupied for 50 years. He has cut many a head of hair since he opened as a young man of twenty.Countless children have walked away from here with a quarter in their pocket and clergy with a free haircut.

The walls of this small space hold a history of  many lives. Talk of  crops and livestock,discussion of politics,sports,and horse racing.The sharing of family news and the excitement of local school sports. An interior door trim has served as a growth chart for local youth and bares the names and markings as proof. Most importantly, Dad has used this place to witness for the Lord.

Things will never be quite the same in this town. You see,my dad was the last of the original businessmen.The building across the street originally housed the furniture store of two of my best friend's father and my grandfather owned the town grocery store down around the corner. Yes this place was a local institution.

Today was Maddie's last time in "the chair".

Lilly's official first and last time in "the chair". Dad's final customer(non paying of course)!
How appropriate as she is the youngest family member.

The hooks are empty.

No one else will be told to "get on up in the chair".
It's the end of an era.

Yep, Larry's Barber Shop is officially closed.
You served a community and your family well Dad, and you have been well loved for it.
Enjoy your retirement!

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Tami -I don't know if I should be sad or glad?

nickys nook said...

May ur dad enjoy his retirement

Aimee Humphrey said...

Oh Tami, I miss it already. That barber shop is where John had his first hair cut and where I have learned so much history about this town and even my own home. I always walk out of there loving this small town.

Amy Kinser said...

What a great tribute to your dad and his business and the ministry that took place there. It seems that so many "mom and pop" shops are closing down now. So sad.

God bless you dad as he begins a new journey.