John Putnam's Barbershop

John Putnam lived from 1817 to 1895. He was an African American who operated out of many various locations along Main St. According to the Historical Society of Greenfield John Putnam was known to cut the hair of Civil War soldiers, pass military secrets, and was a popular fiddle player, being hired at many events. He was also rumored to be involved in the Underground Railroad. Although we can't fully prove this due to being a federal crime, we have strong reason to believe he helped enslaved people in their journey to freedom.

John Putnam was the orchestra leader of John Putnam’s Orchestra which was well known and much sought after. They often played at local dances not only in Greenfield but in surrounding towns as well. John Putnam was a skilled fiddle player. An article featuring John Putnam’s Orchestra was written by a former orchestra member J. A. Taggart in the Gazette and Courier on April 16, 1929.  

Putnam lived on Wells Street in Greenfield in a house that may have also been part of the underground railroad alongside his shop. He had several of these barber shops that supposedly were used to share information. 

A tunnel was discovered beneath his house in the 1970s. This has potential ties to the railroad, but nothing can be confirmed of this connotation. 

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Photo of a circa 1940s thread-cutting tool (http://americancenturies.mass.edu/collection/itempage.jsp?itemid=18398)

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