Purkey’s Barber Shop on Jackson Street in Cicero has been around since the 1950s and is once again open full-time Monday through Friday. (Photo provided by Raquel Garcia)
Purkey’s Barber Shop, 87 W. Jackson St., Cicero, was established in 1954 by Dud Purkey who barbered there for 30 years. Now a third-generation barber is running the show and keeping tradition alive.
Dud’s daughter-in-law, Wanda Purkey, went to barber college and took over in 1984. Current owner Jeff Purkey joined his mom in shop in 2007 to take over the barber shop when mom retired.
“I took over the shop to keep the family business running,” Purkey said. “I went to barbering part-time due to migraine issues and now the shop is open full-time Monday through Friday.”
After getting his migraines under control, Purkey knew he wanted the shop to be open full-time again, in part because it is the kind of business you don’t see much of anymore.
The inside of the shop has not changed much in the last six decades. (Photo provided)
“It’s hard to find a traditional barber shop,” Purkey said. “I want to provide an old school shop for men young and old that can come in and experience what a true barber shop is like.”
According to Purkey, his shop is a little piece of the ‘50s, alive and well in Cicero.
“It’s like stepping back in time when you walk into the shop,” Purkey said. “Not much has changed. The business still uses the same chairs that my grandpa Dud used when he barbered. In fact, we still have men come in that are in their 70s saying they used to sit on a board my grandpa used to lay across the chair arms. I turn and hold it up and say, ‘You mean this one?’ They laugh and say that’s the one.”
According to Purkey, coming into a traditional shop is a totally different atmosphere than either a salon or a modern chain.
“There are times the whole shop is all talking in one big conversation,” Purkey explained. “I’m the only barber in this shop, it’s not an in-and-out shop, I take my time to learn your cut the way you want it, once we get there and you come in on a regular basis you won’t even have to say what you want because I already know. There’s a comfort with that.”
Owner Jeff Purkey sits on the “liar’s bench” in front of the shop. (Photo provided)
The equipment at Purkey’s is of course cleaned after every customer. In the tradition of keeping it clean, there is also a policy about honesty for anyone inside.
“Everything said in the shop is the truth!” Purkey said. “If you don’t believe that then we have our very own ‘liar’s bench’ out in front of the shop, we’ll go have a seat and talk about it. That’s why there is a strict rule what’s said in the shop stays in the shop.”
One thing Purkey enjoys is being able to provide a place for men and boys to feel comfortable and connected to the community.
“I like it when boys are brought in and you can tell they like the feel of this is a guy’s place,” Purkey said. “That’s the way it should be and I try to be one of the guys with them – to develop a relationship with my customers.”
According to Purkey, customers come from Cicero, Arcadia and Atlanta, from Tipton to Noblesville, from Walnut Grove to Sheridan, and from Fairmount to the north side of Indianapolis.
Dud Purkey established the barber shop in 1954, and it has been in the family ever since. (Photo provided)
“It’s been an amazing ride for this little shop, and now that my health issues are under control I want to get the word out to all my old customers and let them know I’m sorry for disappearing on them. But I’m back if they’re not satisfied with their current barber,” Purkey said. “If you haven’t experienced my shop before, I welcome you to come on in and see for yourself. Many times I’ve been asked if there’s a charge for the entertainment during their haircut. I always tell them, ‘NO WAY! This is the way it should be.’”
There is firm policy against talking about politics or religion in the shop.
“We’re all in this together and won’t be having any talk that is upsetting someone else in the shop,” Purkey said. “I’ll give you a warning if you slip up once but after that I will ask you to leave.”
You can join the tradition of a third-generation family barber shop and start your own tradition with them by stopping by 87 W. Jackson St., Cicero.