Clemons Barber Shop

Clemons Barber Shop was opened in 1978 by George Clemons. George Clemons is 80 years old and was born in rural Cleveland County. His parents were farmers, and he grew up with nine siblings, five brothers and three sisters. Due to segregation Clemons went to Newbold School in nearby Lincolnton. He lettered in football, was a baseball star, and drove the school bus his junior and senior years. Because of lack of funds designated to Black schools, there were only three buses for the whole county; Clemons said he had to be up by daybreak to make it to school by 8:30. He furthered his education at North Carolina A&T State University, though he dropped out after his first semester to go to Durham’s barber school. Being a barber was not his only career. He was a funeral director and owned a funeral home in Newton, NC. After doing both for many years, he had to stop working at the funeral home due to health issues but continued barbering. 

Clemons was not the only barber in his family; all 5 of his brothers were barbers. His older brother inspired him to start cutting hair, and it has been a passion since he began in 1959. His brothers owned barbershops in Lexington, Newton, Catawba, and Lincolnton. He and his brother, Benny, opened the first barbershop in an old cafe, but soon outgrew it and built Clemons Barbershop. He and his family went to the Ridgeview area often. His memories of the streets being filled with local businesses and children running around brought a sense of community that he says has decreased as the years have gone on. However, the community's importance continued within his barbershop, with some of his customers coming since its inception. Although the area has changed drastically, it was a place that was good to him, and he was good to. Clemons wants the area to remember him as a “nice guy,” he treated everyone with respect no matter their credentials or lack thereof, and he made anyone who walked through his door treat everyone with respect as well. 

Even though his career has spanned over sixty years, he never got tired of it or wanted to quit. Now, at 80 years old, he plans to retire and “ride around,” wanting to keep active, but to make sure he is not working. Clemons Barber Shop was one of the few Black businesses left in the area, and its legacy will continue as previous customers continue to share the history of the area. 

Clemons, George. Personal interview by author. December 12, 2020.