Because Clubman (“Shaving with style and tradition since 1810”. Pinaud Slogan), is that classic, quintessential and 'old school' barber shop fragrance!!!
“A good [aftershave] is really a powerful cocktail of memories and emotion". Jeffery Stepakoff
One must go back in time to a simpler (and better?), age (which our family had 'credit' because I never paid for my haircuts). To when I was a young 'whipper-snapper' after getting a fresh haircut ('high & tight'), and getting a 'splash' of Clubman and a scalp massage. To where;
1. The barber shop had that distinctive checker board tile flooring.
2. There was a cigarette and gumball
3. The men & boys would wait their turn without number tickets (just the honor system of being a gentleman), to be called "Next"!!!
4. The only phone (rotary type...thanx Tony for your input), on the shelf or wall either rang very quietly or quite loudly (in which you covertly tried to overhear the Barber's quiet conversation [i.e., the barber never talked on the phone while cutting your hair],..in which slang and/or codewords were used because of your innocence and youth).
5. Leather strops attached to the leather backed hydraulic Barber Chairs.
6. The numerous tall canisters of blue Barbicide (with it's distinctive faint smell of ammonia), w/ combs, small brushes, clippers attachments, razors, scissors and other implements.
7. Talcum powder 'duster' brushes were within reach.
8. Hot lather and steamed towel machines
9. The built-up shoe- shine stand w/ 2 chairs (one for the shoe-shine man when business is slow), and the scent of tins of Kiwi & Lincoln shoe polish, glass bottles of liquid edge dressing, polishing cloths and leather mingling in the shop.
10. The slightly 'musty' scent of cut hair in the air (including the 'tufts' of hair on the floor), after the Barbers ceremoniously 'snap' the capes (that was around many necks), in the air to remove cut hair signifying the end of the haircut 'ballet'.
11. The faint aroma of men smoking and reading newspapers.
12. The 'manly' scent of the many glass bottles of Clubman and Hair Tonic (which always seemed to get 'splashed' on the floor besides on your head).
13. A full magazine rack (no Playboys), of Ebony, Life, Jet, National Geographic's and Highlights Magazine for kids.
14. A black & white TV (with 'rabbit ears' and volume low), in the corner.
15. The never-ending barber task (or us kids asking for the honor), of sweeping up hair clippings.
Now, don't get me wrong because I'm not the sort to wallow in nostalgia about the 'good ole days' but, ahhhh...those were the days!!!
This page has been seen 899 times.
-
-
Created by onLast updated by on
-
