Historic Barbershop Reopens With Tribute To Volunteer In Barnegat
BARNEGAT, NJ — History is staying alive in Barnegat, as the local historical society celebrating the restoration of a barbershop built in 1880 by dedicating a plaque to an iconic local figure, the late Township Historian Mary Catherine Kennedy.
The Ocean's Four barbershop quartet serenaded guests before the building was reopened to the public. Now part of the Barnegat Historical Society's Heritage Village, it was built in 1880 as a real estate office and became a barbershop about 20 years later when it was purchased by George Hopper. Back then, the building was on Route 9.
It's been closed for several years as Covid-19 and other factors delayed its renovation. But as of Oct. 19, guests can walk around and imagine what it was like getting a shave and haircut here more than 100 years ago, complete with lots of local historic artifacts on display, like one of the original barber chairs.
This work was only able to be completed thanks to the volunteers, said historical society President Gary Brower.
"It's the efforts of the many that have resulted in what you see here," Brower said. One person whose efforts helped over the years, he said, was Kennedy.
"Mary Catherine, I think, would be thrilled that we're dedicating her plaque today to be a permanent part of the barbershop," Brower said.
Kennedy, who died in 2016, was an integral part of Barnegat history through her volunteer work and her 48-year teaching career. In her honor, the barbershop also houses school memorabilia.
"Mary Catherine was not only an important part of the historical society, but she was important to the area," Brower said.
The historical society's village is home to not only the barbershop, but also the Lippincott House and the Edwards House, which both are decorated in a historically authentic manner and house tons of great artifacts for those interested in local history. There's also an old butcher shop.
The village is located on East Bay Avenue (type "Heritage Village and Museum Barnegat Historical Society" into your GPS). They also have a thrift shop located at 106 Railroad Ave., right by the rail trail. Shopping here supports the Barnegat Historical Society. Check out their Facebook page for information about open houses and future events.
Historic Barbershop Reopens With Tribute To Volunteer In Barnegat originally appeared on the Barnegat-Manahawkin Patch
