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Marquette's barber for 50 years, Kenny Talbott (middle) visited with Dwayne Herrs (on right with back to camera), barber from McPherson, who was in the same barber school with Kenny in Wichita all those years ago, and Talbott's son, Darryl (left), visited outside in front of Grooms Barber Shop Saturday, May 29 during the open house held in honor of Kenny's 50-year milestone.
The 'Barber of Marquette' celebrates 50 years
By Liz Ponting
Last Updated: July 13, 2010
If you've been one of the lucky ones fortunate enough to have received a haircut from the “Barber of Marquette," Kenny Talbott, at Grooms Barber Shop over the past 50 years, then you've not only received a professional haircut but words of wisdom, great conversation, and more than a few humorous tales and jokes. “Everytime I get my haircut Kenny has a new joke or a story to tell. He keeps it interesting while you're sitting in the chair," said Tim Ponting, longtime Grooms customer. “I've been going to Kenny for the past 32 years, and he does a great job." Following six months of training at the Kansas School of Barbering in Wichita, Talbott went to work Oct. 1, 1960. “I began barber school April 1, 1960, and in the fall I started cutting hair in Marquette during my one-and-a-half-year apprenticeship," Talbott said. Talbott began his first and only barbering job at Grooms Barber Shop, established by his grandfather, Mahlon Grooms. Mahlon opened the barbershop in 1888. Talbott's uncle, Dewey Grooms, took over the barbershop from his father, after coming home early from World War II in 1944. Dewey's sister and Talbott's mother, Emma, who was the beautician in the barbershop for many years, ran the business after their father Mahlon's passing in 1948. The two worked together until Talbott joined them in 1960. Talbott worked with his mother until her passing in 1963 and with Dewey until his retirement in 1980. Talbott is very proud of the family history of the barbershop. “I've stood behind the same 1920s barber chair for the past 50 years. It's the same chair my grandpa and uncle both used," Talbott said. “And, we've been lucky because we've only had to have it upholstered a couple of times. It's also still running on the original hydraulic system and it's kept on working after all these years." Not only does Talbott enjoy the history of the barbershop, he enjoys the many customers he has served through the years. “A lot of my customers have become very close friends, and in some ways I've gained a college education listening to them," Talbott said with a smile. “But, the hard part of the job is when one of them passes on. It's really hard to lose your customers who are also your friends." Talbott, a native son, promoter and booster of Marquette, remembers what the owner of the Wichita barber school told him when he graduated. “He told me I'd regret going back to my hometown to work, but you know, I never have," he said. “I've had really good customers from Marquette, the Smoky Valley and the surrounding area." He even has calls from out-of-town for haircuts. “I have several customers who like to get their hair cut when they come home to visit. So, they call me to set up a time. It's always nice to visit with them and catch up on their lives. Otherwise, I don't usually take appointments. It's on a first come, first serve basis," Talbott said. Talbott has cut at least four generations of many area families, including the Wickstroms and Olsons. “I cut Burdette and Bertis's hair and I still cut David and Matthew's," Talbott said. “The same goes for Victor, LaRue, Dana and Dixon." He also remembers the days when fathers would come in with their sons to get their haircuts. “All of these guys have passed away, but I remember when Don and Hershel Rush and Cleophus and Lawrence Hulse would come to Marquette from Langley to get their hair cut," Talbott said. “Hershel would bring Don in and Lawrence would bring Cleophus in to the shop. It was something they would do together. Now a lot of the sons come in by themselves when they get old enough to drive." Talbott's longtime helper at the store has been his wife of more than 50 years, Freda (Malm) Talbott. Freda keeps the barbershop in tip top shape, cleaning every week, watering the flowers in the front window, and taking the towels home to wash. She also listens to her husband on how each day has gone. “Freda's my biggest supporter and my favorite customer because I get paid with a big kiss," Talbott said. That's not to say his other family members, son Darryl and wife Diane, daughter Darla and son-in-law Larry, grandson Evan and granddaughters MaryAnne, Lawren and Lindsey, aren't favorites too.
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