In 1971, Kenny Albert climbed up in the big chair at Estle Vowels’ barbershop. It was Kenny’s first haircut.
Nearly four decades later, Kenny gave Estle his last trim. Kenny makes sure his customers look good at their funerals.
“It’s kind of the last gift I can give them,” Kenny said.
Estle turned the shop over to Kenny five years ago. People in Vine Grove say it’s the oldest building in town and one of the oldest continuously operating barbershops in the state.
Outside, the freshly painted building on West Main Street looks young. Inside, more than 120 years have warped the ceiling and sloped the floor until the shop seems as weathered and wise as the old men loafing inside. The walls seep nostalgia. Country music mumbles out of dusty speakers. Deer heads and a picture of Estle watch over Kenny as he watches over the shop.
Kenny has cut three generations’ hair. Estle cut four.
“This is all people know,” longtime customer Joe Bartley said of the shop. “You don’t even think about it; this is just where you go. It’s like going to the post office.”
