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Business & Tech

Indies Only: Art's the Place for a Cut, Conversation

Downtown staple in business since 1959.

opened in downtown Oswego in 1959. The two barber chairs, the cash register and many of the pictures on the wall haven’t changed. Customers can expect efficient but friendly service.

In high school, Jim Mayer, original owner Art’s son, chose to attend barber school half days and on Saturdays during his junior and senior year.

“I wanted to help my dad out but I didn’t think I’d be doing it this long or for a living,” said Mayer.

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Mayer bought the store from his dad and has remained a barber because, “I enjoy meeting people and I have a good time. Everyone has a different story to tell and meeting them all has been a lot of fun."

In addition to Mayer’s father, his grandfather and two uncles were also barbers.

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“I am the last barber in the family,” said Mayer. “None of my cousins decided to do this, they all got real jobs."

After 18 years of working by himself, Gary Wilson joined Mayer as a part-time barber. Wilson previously owned his own barbershop in Boulder Hill.

Wilson said he got quite a surpirse when he first entered Art's.

“This is definitely different than what I had. This is ancient," he said.

Like Mayer, Wilson is a lifelong barber. He started 48 years ago because he “had to learn to do something."

“We stay pretty busy,” said Mayer. “No two weeks are ever the same. We come to work and see what happens.”

Adult haircuts are $14; Children and seniors are $12. When Art Mayer first opened the barber shop, a haircut cost $1. The price may have risen, but Jim still rings you up on the same cash register used in 1959.

The two barber chairs belonged to Mayer’s grandpa and the rotary phone is the only one in the shop.

“I don’t think Oswego is ready for a 5-chair barbershop,” said Mayer who has no plans to expand or retire anytime soon.

Mayer is a lifelong Oswego resident. His mom grew up on Grove Road and his dad moved to Oswego in the early 1950s.

Mayer’s dream was to become a firefighter and he has been a volunteer firefighter for as long as he’s been cutting hair.

Mayer warned future customers if they come in for a cut they better be ready for some conversation.”

“You aren’t going to sit here and not say anything," he said "We have a pretty good time.”

Art’s Barber Shop is located at 73 Main St. Hours: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. 3 p.m.

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