I just completed a photographic essay of the Village Barber Salon located on Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI. I have been getting my hair cut at this salon for the past 25 years. The proprietor there is Joseph Pompei. Joe is a warm, soft-spoken man whose personality is as much as a magnet as the quality of his hair cut. Joe is a Barbers’ barber, gentleman’s’ gentleman. Over the past three to four months I spent many an hour photographing the daily interactions that take place in this shop. There your will find friendship, respectfullness and entertainment in terms of conversation, laughter and camaraderie.
Joe immigrated to the US from Pico, Italy. He became a citizen, married and supported a family of five through his business. Photos and memorabilia garnish the walls of his shop telling a story of many who passed through its doors. There is a sign over the phone that reads phone calls 25 cents which is in contrast to the current trend whereas just about everyone has a cell phone. Every Tuesday through Saturday Joe arrives at his shop well before 7am. Hardly an early morning dawns when he is not greeted, at his door, by a customer or two, or even three. He did not hesitate to say yes when I approached him with the idea of doing this photographic essay. I was attracted by his openness, friendship, and his genuine graciousness towards people, his customers, which he calls his “friends.” No wonder some of his customers go back to when he first opened his business in 1970.
Should you be interested in purchasing the publication of the Village Barber Salon please the cost is $10.00. The images inside the publication captures the spirit and friendship that abounds at this place called the Village Barber Salon. Contact me through email at: jiminri@gmail.com
