The Buzz on a Local Barber Shop: It's Alive and Well

Joe Beardsley’s family business in Eureka started with a stump in a Missouri Bootheel cotton farmer’s front yard. 

“That farmer was my grandpa, Lee Beardsley,” said Joe Beardsley. “I don’t know if Grandpa was formally trained or not, but he was well-known in the area. His barber chair was a big stump in the yard, and people came for miles to get their hair cut.” 

Later, Lee’s son, Larry, became a barber, trained by his father—and Lincoln Barber College. Joe and his brother, Jason, Larry’s sons, followed in their father’s career. 

A dizzying number of Beardsleys are involved in the operation of several barbershops around the country.  “It’s a family tradition that goes way back,” said Beardsley.  “There are at least 15 barbers in the family that I know of."    

Beardsley’s comfortable and welcoming shop is a charming step back in time, with antique barber chairs, an old, oak buffet holding coffee supplies and antique barbering tools in a shadow box. Vintage chairs sit next to a guitar, and customers are invited to sit down and strum a tune or two if they like. Beardsley is a guitar picker himself, favoring gospel music. 

In addition to the old traditional touches are the latest equipment needed in the trade. “A ‘regular’ haircut means different things to different people, so I have to be prepared to do clipping, layering, blow drying or styling if that’s what the customer wants,” said Beardsley .

“Today I did two shaves with a straight razor, something that most barbers don’t offer anymore. I cut a lot of flat tops for police, military men and more.  A current trend that I’m seeing is the shaggy look that was popular in the 80s."

Bob Nack, of Eureka, a regular customer, likes the atmosphere in Beardsley’s shop. "I got tired of those chain shops, and I like to go someplace where there's only men,” he added.  While he got his hair cut and his beard trimmed, Nack and the genial Beardsley talked about a variety of manly topics.  

“I learn something new from my customers every day,” said Beardsley.  He clearly enjoys socializing with his customers, greeting them with an affable smile as they enter. 

While Nack got his hair cut, Eureka resident Dick Kluba waited, perusing a magazine.  “It’s my first visit here,” said Kluba.  “I just needed a trim, and this was on my way. It's a great location, very convenient."

Beardsley works by himself during the week, and on Saturday, the shop’s busiest day, barber Jim Colin mans one of the 90-year-old barber chairs. The barbershop draws a wide variety of customers, from little kids getting their first haircut in a booster seat, to preteens and grownups. The eldest customer so far is 90. 

Every now and then, a lady will stop in to see if she can get a quick haircut. “They always ask if I cut women’s hair,” said Beardsley. “I tell them, ‘sure, I can cut it, but when I get done, you’ll look like your husband!’”

Beardsley noted that none of the ladies have stayed for the haircut.