Barber shop stands the test of time
By Laurie Gordon
NEWTON ‑ When you walk into John's Barber Shop, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and kind of like going back in time.
The big, comfy, antique chairs, penny candy on the counter, checkerboard floor, soft background music and hallmark barber pole outside speak of nostalgia and the old-fashioned values of the traditional barber shop.
John's is simply a place to go for a good haircut and some conversation.
Owner Karen Bell keeps the old-fashioned ambiance alive, and as the aroma of Clubmen talc powder fills the air and the buzzing of clippers mingles with the chatter of voices, she couldn't be happier with the shop's success.
"The other day I had a great-grandfather, grandfather, father and son all in at the same time," she said.
The shop has become a family tradition, and with ample parking, has become a hallmark on Diller Aveue in Newton.
John's opened back in the 1930s. It wasn't called John's at first. Owned by Frank Butto, it was a little barber shop on Moran Street on the other side of Newton. Butto moved his shop to Sparta Avenue, across the street from where it is now, and John Murgolo first worked for Butto and the purchased the business in 1982. It was renamed John's Barber Shop, and moved to 55 Diller Avenue where it's stood for 35 years.
Bell grew up in Byram and went to high school at Sussex Vo-Tech where she was trained for cosmetology and barbering. Her first job was at Nick Massi Barbershop in Sparta. She then made the switch and went to work for Murgolo. He had also worked with Massi, and was pleased she had worked there too.
"I learned a lot working for John and it was a blessing and a gift to have trained with him," she said.
In April, 1992, Bell took over the business and has been there for 27 years.
"It started out with two 1950 Belmont barber chairs, and I added two more," she said. Bell said that when she first started at John's, he told her that his business had tripled in one year and the customers "seamed to like a lady barber." Bell was an experienced trained professional who was good with people which brought in more families, she said.
When she took over, she hired friends and Vo-tech graduates and trained them to become skilled barbers.
"The customers like the idea of lady barbers and I was always taught if its not broken don't fix it." Bell said.
As the business grew over the years, so did the shop. Bell turned an empty garage on the side of the main building into an addition in 1998.
They now have nine chairs, three 1910 Koken barber chairs and six 1950 Belmont barber chairs. All are large, old and comfortable and each has a history of its own.
Bell is always in search of anyone with family photos of the shop from years past, especially the original shop and other barber equipment and memorabilia to add to the shop.
As to her location, she's not going anywhere and loves the ample parking and accessibility on Diller Avenue. Customers are loyal, and the lady barbers greet new ones every day.
As to the future, Bell said it's crossed her mind for about 20 years to open a second shop.
"When the time is right I do see another shop in future in an area that actually needs a good barbershop," she said.
Over the years in business, the economy has seen a lot of turmoil, but John's has remained a staple in the community. Bell attributes that to being owner operated as well as integrity , kindness, knowing your blessed and pride in what you do, she said.
"Having a staff with skills, experience and dedication is key as are our great customers that are loyal and give us the best advertising any business could ask for ... word of mouth," Bell said.