Thread: A little story that may not be worth reading.

So today I got the notion to visit a few shop owners today, and see if they had anything new(old) for me to gawk at. I came across a 60's Gillette safety, that I'd been wanting to try out for head shaving, and picked that up. Anyways, I went to a different nice old lady who always has something I want. But really just went by to say hello, and chat with her awhile. She wasn't there, so I went to another shop she also helps run. There wasn't anything there, and she wasn't there either. But she's out of town, so she might come back with something neat. Anyways, as I walk out of that shop, I notice an old barbershop across the way. Now I don't have any reason to be in a barber shop, as I don't have any hair. But with the thought that maybe there was an old fellah in there that might let me peruse his collection, I walked across the street, and went inside. When I walked in, my jaw must have dropped on the floor, because the barber looked at me like I had a third eye. What I saw, was nothing less than a museum of barber memorabilia. Now this may be old hat to many of you, but I'd never seen anything like it. I tried to chat, but I was really just floored. Pretty much all I managed to get out was, "Any interest in selling any of this?" Of course the answer was "No, I don't sell any of it." My immediate response was "Not even one thing?" lol. He went on to tell me that everything there was given to him by his customers. I did ask if he still did shaves, knowing the answer was no. But thought it might be a nice way to have a reason to go back. Anyways, he handed me a local newspaper article about his shop, and told me he's been there barbering for 43 years. I went home and read the article immediately. I was a little stumped that he wouldn't sell anything. As it's always been my thought that anything worth having, is also worth selling. But the article brought it all home for me. I felt small and selfish when I was done with it. You see, this barber doesn't own any of that stuff. At least, he doesn't feel like he does. It's all gifts, from valuable friends, that he could never part with. I bet you he could tell you where each razor came from. Who gave it to him, when, and probably a million things about the mans family that only a close friend would know. And here I am, trying to buy a piece of his friends lives. The article states that often, when a person passes away, he offers the item back to the family, as a way of preserving it in their family. I really thought it was a great little experience. Even though I still feel like a giant idiot for trying to buy his stuff. So, if ever you come to Mattoon, IL, you oughta take a second to go to Red's barbershop, but don't try to buy anything. Cause Red'll tell you, it's not his to sell. I hope this was worth your time at least. If not, way to stick it out til the end!

Thanks for the story. I've never been to Illinois, but if I ever go, I will remember this article, and mark it on the map.

I like that story.

Great Story!

Great story! If there's anything cooler than old straight razors, it's old values, old sentiment, good old fashioned loyalty and the concept that some things just aren't for buying and selling. Thanks for sharing.

Good story Justin! I love the whole concept of it, his point, the respect he shows to his friends, customers and their families and your response to the whole situation is good for all of us. Well done!

Best Regards,

Howard

Great story. I've been to Mattoon a time or two for track meets in highschool, though I never understood why we went so far