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

Inscription.
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. Marker is on North White Street (Business U.S. 11) just south of West Hornsby Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 N White St, Athens TN 37303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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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); 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 this marker); WLAR (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Magill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

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 197 times since then and 26 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.