Over the past six months, Court Ketron has found herself running the only business in what was once a bustling block in downtown Springfield. But just because the area is quieter doesn’t mean he has plans to leave.
Ketron is the owner and sole employee of Barbershop Deluxe, located at 1206 E. Elm St. This small barbershop is lined with two barber chairs, two sinks, and an eclectic collection of murals and memorabilia. Located just off National Avenue near the Missouri State University campus, the space has served as a barbershop since 1949 under various names and owners. Ketron, who has been cutting hair for the past 18 years, took over his shop in 2011.
By the end of the year, the store, which shared the same building as Barbershop Deluxe, closed. The Panera Bread, formerly located at 500 S. National Ave., closed in April due to vehicles passing in front of the store. And in November, Brown Derby Central at 506 S. National Ave. closed.
Ketron told the News-Leader that Brown Derby, the company he pays rent to, owns the entire building, but he is not aware of the company’s future plans for the block.
“They didn’t tell me anything about plans or departures,” Ketron said. “We keep in touch every time we pay rent, but there’s no communication in either direction. We’ll hang out until someone suggests something else or things change.”
Within the past decade, Dutch Maid Laundry at 526 S. National Ave. and Glo Dry Cleaning Specialists at 530 S. National Ave. also closed.
Ketron said he’s always keeping his eyes and ears open for potential new space, but he’s also reluctant to move.
“Now, I’m the guy carrying on the tradition at the barbershop that’s been here since 1949,” he said. “As soon as I move, I’m just going to be the guy cutting hair in the back of a strip mall. At the end of the day, it’s the same thing, but I like tradition.”
Finding a second career
Before Ketron reopened Barbershop Deluxe in July 2011, the store was owned and operated by the late Robert DeFrank. Campus cut styling shop founded 32 years ago. Mr. DeFrank passed away in July 2011 at the age of 75.
Owning a barbershop was never part of Ketron’s career plans. After Ketron graduated from Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she worked in juvenile correctional centers in Missouri and Texas. He started cutting his hair out of necessity for the center’s residents.
“In that environment… (they are) allowed to get a haircut once a month from a licensed practitioner… that doesn’t necessarily work for those people,” Ketron said. Ta. “It’s always evolving, it’s always changing, so I was kind of cutting hair here and there and filling in the gaps.
“That’s how I started, and of course in that environment you’d show a knack for your skills and get requests like, ‘Hey, Mr. Court, I’m visiting this weekend, and I’d like to do a little touch-up. Could you give me one?”
Ketron said that even back then, she had never considered cutting hair professionally. However, after spending several years in a correctional facility, Ketron found himself burnt out and, following the recommendation of his friend, started working at a barbershop in Texas.
“My wife and I were about a year into our three-year plan to move back here (to Springfield) when we learned that (Robert DeFrank) had fallen ill and was planning to sell himself,” Ketron said. said.
Ketron knew DeFrank because he was one of DeFrank’s customers when he still lived in Springfield before moving to Texas. Changing plans, Ketron and his wife decide to return to Springfield early to take over the store.
“Honestly, for a company of this size, it’s not that big of a process,” Ketron said of taking over the store from DeFrank. “We talked about numbers. I didn’t finance anything. I used up most of my savings. That’s it.”
When it comes to the barbershop’s murals and knickknacks, Ketron said very little remains from DeFrank. The Pabst Blue Ribbon board remains on the wall opposite the chair and sink. Ketron said DeFrank posted fishing tips on message boards.
“Bob was a fisherman,” Ketron said. “When I knew him, he used to leave here every day at 3 p.m. and go fishing. It sounded strange when I met him, but now many older barbers “They’re not retired, they just want to stop cutting hair. But they’re still hanging out at the store and hanging out with all the other old people.” I want to (talk).”
Currently, Ketron uses Pabst Blue Ribbon boards for service pricing.
“Part of many lives”
The barbershop experience is changing, and Ketron understands it.
“I remember places I went to when I was a kid, places I used to go with my grandfather, and they looked a lot like this, as opposed to a more modern style,” Ketron said, pointing to the store. he said. “We also serve cocktails, and it’s more expensive than a haircut. It’s more of a men’s salon as opposed to a traditional barbershop. There’s not a bad thing about either, it’s just a word. ”
According to , a “regular” 30-minute haircut costs $16 at Barbershop Deluxe. Store website.
Barbershop Deluxe is currently open by appointment only. Ketron said about 75 percent of his customers are regulars, and the remaining 25 percent are one-time visitors, usually college students. One of Ketron’s customers, Dick, has been coming to the store since the 1970s.
“He’s been to three barbershops now,” Ketron said.
Ketron said these long-term relationships are one of his favorite parts of being a local barber.
“You’re not exactly friends or anything, but at the same time, you’ve been through all the important moments of their lives together,” he said. “There’s a guy I picked up when I was in college, I cut his hair for my graduation, I cut his hair when I got married…I cut his hair when my first child was born. That’s the great thing about barbershops for me: You’re a part of it. ” in many lives. ”
Barbershop Deluxe is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To make a reservation, call 417-832-0131 or book online. barbershopdeluxe.net.
Greta Cross is a trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. X and follow her on Instagram @gretacrossphoto.Have a story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.