NILES, Ohio (WKBN) — Union Males’s Hair Store has been a fixture on Robbins Avenue in Niles since 1936. 4 generations later, the barbershop has been taken over by a pal of the founding household who will mix a contemporary type with the nostalgic really feel it’s at all times had.
On Tuesday afternoon, Niles freshman Layton Busse, 15, had barber Josh Rosenberger give him a bald fade reduce — shaved on the perimeters, longer on prime.
On Valentine’s Day, Rosenberger — a Niles graduate himself — took over working the Union Males’s Hair Store.
“The barbershops been right here since 1936. Simply carrying on the custom is simply an absolute honor,” stated Rosenberger.
The custom was began by Philip Melillo, whose barber’s license nonetheless hangs on the wall. From the skin, you may see how the barbershop was constructed onto a home the place the Melillo’s lived. In 1991, Philip’s grandson Mike Melillo took over.
“It was simply the old-time barbershop. Simply good associates getting collectively,” stated Leroy Johnson.
Johnson has been an everyday since 1965 and stated Mike Melillo would do something for anybody.
“If one of many clients made the newspaper, on the underside shelf the article could be taped up,” stated Johnson.
In November at age 64, Mike Melillo died and the barbershop quickly closed.
“So after Mike had handed, his son reached out to me and requested if I used to be fascinated about taking on and working my enterprise out of right here, and naturally, the reply was sure,” stated Rosenberger.
Rosenberger hasn’t modified a lot — the unique chairs from 1936 are nonetheless getting used, there’s an previous barbershop signal on the wall, however the barber pole within the window is new.
“A whole lot of historical past right here and I undoubtedly need to maintain the old fashioned nostalgia, the old fashioned vibe of it,” stated Rosenberger.
“You don’t stroll in too many outlets like this anymore,” stated Niles Mayor Steve Mientkiewcz, who stopped by to want Rosenberger good luck.
“However we’re blissful that Josh, a younger inspiring barber, is stepping up and taking on the store,” stated Mientkiewcz.
“I get so many individuals driving by, beep their horn, wave, honk, simply cease in simply to fulfill me to say good day and inform me how blissful they’re that it’s up and going and the barber pole is spinning once more,” stated Rosenberger.
Appointments might be made via an app known as “The Lower,” which is open Tuesday via Saturday, 9 a.m. to five p.m.
Hair cuts are $25, however for long-time clients, they’re $17.