The barber pole has a wonderful and interesting story to tell, and its presence keeps this story alive. It is the oldest distinguished mark of any profession or craft, dating back before the birth of Christ, history tells us that barber service was rendered to the public 6000 years before. The art of hair and beard trimming (barbering), medicine (herbs), dentistry (tooth pulling) and surgery (blood letting) were all performed by the same operators in the early history they were called BARBER-SURGEONS.
Due to the services that they rendered and especially to the royalty, the barber-surgeons were the most respected and protected men living. They held this respect for thousands of years. During their practice of surgery, which consisted only of blood letting or bleeding the disease, a white cloth was used. They would rinse this out leaving blood stains, hang it in the doorway of their business to dry; thus the origin of our present day barber pole.
As the years passed by the hundreds, this original badge has been changed to the present, attractive glass, red and white emblem which represents professional grooming service. The doctors, the dentists, and the surgeons have all branched from our original profession long since; however, the barber pole still remains the property of the artistic barbering profession.
To get the full story and see numerous barber poles, you really should visit the Barber Museum in Canal Winchester, Ohio, the worlds largest (3500 square feet) and most unique connection of barber supplies, chairs, and artifacts dating back to the 1700s. The museum is open for tours.
Call 614-837-8400 for tour arrangements.
You can also visit their site here..
Click to enter the
HALL OF FAME
The Barbering Hall of Fame began in March, 1965 and was formally dedicated August 9, 1968 at its original site – 2 South High Street, Canal Winchester, Ohio . It is now located at the National Barber Museum and Hall of Fame, 135 Franklin Street, Canal Winchester, Ohio, 43118.
The purpose of the Barbering Hall of Fame is to honor those who have distinguished themselves by an outstanding contribution in the furtherance of the barbering profession. The general history of barbering is recorded in many forms but the identity of people who have been making outstanding contributions to barbering is soon lost – this should NOT happen.
It is our firm belief that a great number of persons have contributed to the advancement of the barber profession and should be recognized. In this way we pay tribute to those persons who have endeavored to enhance the image of, and working conditions for the barber.
