Barbers and beauticians have been in demand since the beginning of time. In the early 1900's Mr. Frank Jordan, an African-American (Negro, Black, Colored^Åwhatever term you prefer) owned and operated an emporium downtown Champaign. It was located on Main Street near the Illinois Central Terminal. Mr. Jordan had at one time more than ten barber chairs and featured haircuts, shaves, facials, and baths. Pictures of this elaborate emporium were destroyed by fire. The more prosperous Negro owned shops catered to "white only." It was a matter of "bread and butter" income. A black man could get his hair cut after hours when the shops were closed. This practice continued until 1940 when the first inductees of the 99th Pursuit Squadron arrived at Chanute. There were other black owned shops that catered to "black only."

Ace Barber Shop was owned and operated by Mr. Arthur C. Merrifield. It was first located on University Avenue and later moved to North First Street. He had three chairs. His nephew, Fred M. Merrifield, operated the same shop until 1972 many years after his death. Many barbers, including Speedy McDowell, Roy Suggs and others apprenticed themselves to Mr. Merrifield and Mr. Lincoln Wesley and later took barber exams, passed the State Boards and opened shops of their own. The older barbers passed the art of barbering to the next generation.

Beauticians were trained in much the same way as barbers. In the early years some were fortunate to attend the Madam Walker College for Beauticians in Indianapolis, Indiana. In the late 1930's and early 40's, a few were able to attend the Champaign Beauty College.

At the risk of forgetting an important beautician, suffice it to say the beauticians formed an organization and eventually united with national organizations. They learned the latest styles each year, operated financially successful shops and became prominent business women.

Prior to 1930 most of the "hair dressers," a term used in those days, had shops in their homes. They hot pressed the hair with iron combs. Curling irons, heated on little gas burners, were used to style the hair. Great skill was required to keep from burning the hair. Woe be unto the child that wiggled at the wrong time. We learned to sit quite still.

In the 1960's and 70's, at the time of the Civil Rights movement, the "Afro" natural style and the "Braid" became popular. Many of the older barbers were not able to cope, suffered financial decline and sold their shops to younger barbers and to beauticians. Women and men incorporated each other's skills and both enterprises are now flourishing.

Scientific progress, knowledge of the composition of hair and skin, and a degree from an accredited school have enabled the beauticians to transform the hair by chemical process. Many have expanded their shops to include manicurists, skin care and the sale of beauty products.

The organized cosmetologist, as they are referred to today, contribute to scholarship funds and generally support the youth of the community. We can all be proud of the contributions the Afro-American barbers and beauticians have contributed to this community.