The Vanishing American Barber Shop

If one man had the pulse on the entire town it was the barber. His shop was the hub of weather forecasts, sports scores, local goings-on and, of course, emerging scandals. Men “talked shop” and passed along tips about everything from fishing lures to bank rates. And all the talk intertwined with the buzz of the clippers, the snip of the sheers and the wafting scents of Bay Rum and butch wax.

The Vanishing American Barber Shop is truly a journey back in time. The 230 pages are a treasure trove of information collected by Ronald Barlow that serve as both a nostalgic trip for the casual reader and a reference guide for collectors of barbering memorabilia.

Hundreds of black and white photos chronicle the “golden age of barbering” from 1800 through the 1950’s. There are also three re-prints of barber supply catalogs featuring selections of shaving brushes and cups, straight razors, barbering chairs and other tonsorial sundries. (Interesting fact, Bay Rum aftershave dates all the way back to the 1830s.)

Curious about the origins of the barber pole? You’ll find he complete history in these pages. You’ll also find a re-print of the 1927 Barber’s Manual so you can brush up on your straight-razor shaving skills. Plus a fascinating memoir from William Gambino chronicling his 50-year career in barbering from 1919-1969 - to call it “eventful” is gross understatement. The sun may have set on the old-time barbershop, but this book brings the memories back. Soft cover. 9 1/16"W x 11 15/16"H. Printed in USA by the William Marvy Company.