Arlington Heights barber shop closing after 89 years
Patrick O'Malley showed up for a haircut recently at the only place he has ever gone for a trim: First Arlington Barber Shop in downtown Arlington Heights.
It may have been the final cut there for the 22-year-old Arlington Heights resident.
Shop owner Kenny Callahan announced earlier this month that the business is closing, bringing to an end to the iconic barber shop, which dates back to 1928. Callahan has been cutting men's hair there since 1979 and has owned the shop since 1991.
“We lost our lease,” he says of the store, located at 11 E. Campbell St.
The shop dates its founding to owner William Neuman, who later was elected police magistrate and is reported to have held court in his backroom every week. Over the years, generations of Arlington Heights families have gone to the shop for a shave and a cut.
“It's the end of an era,” says customer Jim O'Donnell of Arlington Heights.
Michael Mertes, business development coordinator for the village of Arlington Heights, confirmed the impending closing, adding that he is working with the property owner to find a new tenant.
“We're always disappointed to lose businesses, especially those who have roots as deep as First Arlington's,” Mertes said, “but we are fortunate that we've seen many vacant unit spaces filled in the downtown area in recent years as well.”
The atmosphere inside the barber shop is folksy, with a large-screen TV visible to patrons in every chair, and sports memorabilia decorating the shop and its prominent front window. With its closing at the end of the month, Callahan says all of the artifacts are up for sale.
O'Malley came in with his father, Pat, something they have done together since the younger O'Malley's first haircuts, when he sat on a plank across the arms of the barber chair.
“Aside from college, it's the only place I've ever gone,” Patrick O'Malley said.
His father said he has gone to the shop since his family moved to Arlington Heights 23 years ago.
“I was surprised and disappointed to hear they were closing,” Pat O'Malley said. “It's a good neighborhood shop, where you can get an honest haircut and always find good company.
“A lot of places have come and gone,” he added, “but this has always been a staple in the community.”
Callahan says he may be down, but he's not out. Within the next month or so, he says he will be setting up shop as an independent contractor at Hair Jazzers, a salon located approximately two miles west of his current location, at 1541 W. Campbell St. in Arlington Heights.