Sunday, March 3, 2024

Shave and a haircut

[234 Bowery, New York City, c. 1939–1941. From the NYC Municipal Archives Collections. Click for a much larger view.]

No dive today, shallow or deep, just a shave and a haircut, costing just three-fifths of two-bits (25¢). Please notice the letters dropping from HAIRCUT, hairs snipped and falling to the floor, or to the sidewalk.

In 2023, this address houses a purveyor of restaurant equipment. The Bowery is still full of businesses catering (sorry) to restaurants. Here’s some history about what once took place at no. 234. Like the people in this photograph, I’m going to keep walking.

Related reading
More photographs from the NYC Municipal Archives (Pinboard)

comments: 6

Anonymous said...

A barber school is always a good choice


Michael Leddy said...

And to think — they would have been shaving with straight razors. Ulp.

Anonymous said...

https://books.google.com/books/content?id=D7K-GL4NUwsC&pg=PA117&img=1&pgis=1&dq=%22central+barber+school%22&bul=1&sig=ACfU3U0t2PfQJWjFtpEtLARdjMx1mDMAWw&edge=0

tuition and terms

Michael Leddy said...

A lot of hours. I wonder if that means you're cutting hair more or less for free for many, many days.

Joe DiBiase said...

My barber still shaves my neck and sideburns with a straight razor. Other customers get a full shave, also done with a straight razor.

Michael Leddy said...

I remember that treatment well — a weird, wonderful sensation.

(These days I manage my own hair, what remains of it.)