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Barbershop in Plainfield, Illinois celebrating 140th anniversary with $1.40 haircuts
It is impressive when a family-owned business is able to stay open for 20, 30 or even 50 years. But Lincolnway Barber Shop in the heart of historic Plainfield will be celebrating 140 years this week.
PLAINFIELD, Ill. - An historic Plainfield barbershop is shaving their prices this week to celebrate an amazing milestone.
How about a haircut for $1.40? And that number has a special significance.
"This barbershop is 140-years-old, pretty much in the same spot in Plainfield, Illinois," said owner Don Kinley. "And I’m the fourth generation to own it."
At 84-years-old, Kinley is still sweeping the floors and cutting a few heads at the Lincoln Way Barber Shop in Plainfield, following in the steps of his uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather who first bought the shop in 1881.
"It’s probably maybe one of the oldest businesses, family owned, in the state of Illinois," Kinley said.
Great-grandfather Albert Worst bought the barbershop on the same Plainfield block 140 years ago this week, and back in the day it was more than just a place for a shave and a haircut.
"It was the place where people gathered," said Kinley’s wife, Sharon. "It was the place where people would express their views on everything. It was political. It was about all those things and what’s happening with the farms and businesses in town and all."
Tony Padovano has been cutting hair at the barbershop for 10 years, following in the footsteps of his father. He said some customers have been getting their haircut there all their lives.
"Multiple decades. Multiple generations and multiple decades," said Padovano. "There’s a customer I know who has the most, has about 50 years coming in here."
Customer Paul Fay has been a regular for 35 years.
"It’s an anchor in the community. Trusted family. Trusted name. And a trusted haircut," he said.
To celebrate its 140th anniversary, this week the barbershop is offering haircuts at just $1.40.
On Sunday, there will be a community celebration including former workers, family members, and of course a barbershop quartet.
"I loved what I did. It wasn’t work or anything," said Kinley. "And still made a few bucks. Never dreaded a day going to work."
When Don Kinley finally cuts his last head of hair, he plans to leave the business to his children and grandchildren.