Athens in McMinn County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
African American Barbers in Athens
106 N. White St.
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, July 17, 2021
1. African American Barbers in Athens Marker
Several African-American barbers operated businesses in Athens in the first half of the 20th century. In 1900, Charles Miller was in business at 10 N. White Street. By 1913, Albert J. Evans was operating at 8 N. White, having bought property on the west side of the big ditch on the Square. In his book, Recollections & Hearsays of Athens, J.M. Sharp mentions two barbers who owned "their own shop fixtures and other good property besides Will Matlock and Albert Evans. Evans owns a fine shop on the square and ranks with the best."
Evans purchased this property on N. White Street in 1922. He worked as a barber for forty years. His obituary told of his going to Will Matlock for a shave a few days prior to his death.
He died in 1943 at age 62.
Erected by Main Street Athens Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 35° 26.588′ N, 84° 35.638′ W. Marker is in Athens, Tennessee, in McMinn County. It is on North White Street (Business U.S. 11) just south of West Hornsby Street, on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Athens Outlet Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Fire Department (within shouting distance of this marker); Strand Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Crow Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Riddle and Wallace Drug Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); McMinn County Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank (within shouting distance of
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, July 17, 2021
2. African American Barbers in Athens Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 544 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 25, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
