Bennie’s Barber Memories

When I brought a framed print of Benny’s Barber into the shop I was told Benny was in Puerto Rico but I stayed for a while for a cut and to listen to the animated conversations in Spanish. Not all were here for a cut. There were only two chairs, century old beauties made of chrome and red leather. Friends dropped in to say hello and argue over women, coffee and sports.

I once took my two-year-old grandson Elijah to Benny’s Barber. It was crowded and loud and he was petrified. There was no fire engine chair or Shrek video for him, like Lulu’s in Park Slope. When it was his turn he tried to run out the door. Benny put an old leather-covered board across the arms of his 1908 Barber chair and hoisted him onto the top of it. He was about to cry when Benny gave him a giant, multi-colored lollipop and the world was beautiful again.

The last time I went, a shabby-looking young man in a trench coat with bulging pockets came in – sneakily whispering to each person who was waiting his turn for a cut.

I thought, “Things have really changed. Benny would never let a drug dealer in here”.

He came over to me and as he began to pull out his wares, I gave him a dirty look and said, “No, thanks.” He pulled bottles of Vitamin B and C out of his deep pockets and said, “You sure? These are the best vitamins you can buy, all natural, and I got good prices man.”

NOTE: Soon after my visit I returned to Benny’s and the old sign was covered by a vinyl awning announcing The Director’s Cut. The antique chairs were replaced by new ones. Benny sold the place to his nephew who renovated. He left the chairs on the street not knowing the value.