May Historic Village Happenings

May 2024 : Volume 2, Issue 3 - Buffalo Gap Historic Village

In this issue:

Abilene Gives
Village Feature: Early Barbershop
Comanche Moon Photos

Abilene Gives -

Will You?

Abilene Gives is a day of giving to make a significant impact for nonprofit organizations our communities — including your favorite Buffalo Gap Historic Village. Thanks to the leadership of the Community Foundation of Abilene, this day proves that a community of donors can accomplish more collectively than individually.

As a 501(c)3 organization, the Historic Village is reliant on low-priced ticket sales and generous donations and grants from individuals and organizations to fund our mission. As you consider the many worthwhile organizations deserving of your support, please consider the Historic Village!

You can give anytime from now through Tuesday, May 7, at 8 pm. See what an impact your gift can make!

Learn More or Give Now

Village Feature:

Barbershop

This circa 1905 building was originally an exhibits building in Abilene, and was purchased at a public auction in 1982 to serve as a barbershop in the Historic Village. Staged and furnished in the early 1900 time period, it features an original barber chair, shoeshine stand, and public bathtub which was common in barbershops of that period.

Barbers weren't required to be licensed in Texas until 1929. After that, they had to send two pictures of themselves along with a check for $2.50. If the applicant had been working as a barber for at least two years, no examination was required.

Prior to the licensing requirement, in this area, anyway, haircuts and shampoos were generally 35¢ each, a shave and tonic around 25¢ each, yet baths were only twenty cents. (The self-serve concept, no doubt.)

Many of the items in the Village barbershop came from Jim McKeever, owner of the Southwest Barbershop in Abilene from 1950 until 1988. His father was a barber before him, in both Abilene and Merkel. When you visit the Village, you will note the wooden barber's chair, bath cabinet, shaving mugs, and many razors and hair tonic bottles, as well as bars of shaving soap to go into the shaving mugs. You can almost smell the aromas still today!

Comanche Moon

The Event in Review

More than 250 happy people joined this year's "Comanche Moon" on April 18 - the annual fundraiser for the Historic Village with Steve Warren as Master of Ceremonies. Guests enjoyed a fun historical skit by Betty & Charlie Hulkill, an "edutaining" one-man play by Sam Houston (aka Jack Edmondson from Fort Worth), a fabulous chicken-fried steak dinner by Joe Allen's, lively music by JAK Creek Band, and a spirited not-so-silent auction featuring many unique treasures. The fundraising goal was met — actually slightly exceeded! — and if you didn't make it, plan now to attend next year!

Many, many thanks to our presenting sponsor Dian Graves Owen Foundation, and our many other sponsors, auction donors, table hosts, and attendees. And a big shout-out to Jennifer Raney who not only chairs our board but chaired this event! We couldn't run the Historic Village without any of you.

For the latest information on history and happenings in the Village, follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages and be sure to check out our website.