By Mike Baumgardner
If you have lived in West Peoria for any length of time, odds are your grandfather, father, or brother has stopped in for a haircut at Joe's Barbershop.
Joe and Doris Baumgardner moved to West Peoria in 1946. They had lived on Kellogg and Idaho Streets and in 1959, moved to their home on Rohmann Avenue. In 1950, Joe began his barbering career at Fred's Barbershop on Western Avenue. This led to the opening of Joe's own barbershop on January 20, 1963. With the temperature at 20 below zero, in what was the 12' X 15' sunroom of their home on Rohmann, his dream to open his own business in front of the house became a reality. Since it only took three steps from his front door to the barbershop door, Joe always boasted he had the shortest walk to work of anyone.
Joe and Doris raised four daughters, Judy, Diane, Cindy, and Janet, and one son, Mike. In 1967, Mike joined his father in the business and worked with him until he went to work for Hiram Walker in 1972. Joe had part-time help until he convinced Diane and Cindy to get their barber license; they joined him in 1985. While his daughters worked in the shop, this allowed Joe to enjoy his favorite game of golf. Although he retired in 1998, he still enjoyed sitting in the shop and talking with his former customers until the girls would get busy and need his seat.
Joe was a great fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and always loved a good discussion with a Chicago Cubs fan. He loved West Peoria as well. He was the West Peoria Township Supervisor and served on the Peoria County Board.
When Joe passed away in 2001, many customers feared the shop would close. However, he always said, "as long as the good Lord is willing and the river don't rise--we will be here". Diane and Cindy just celebrated 25 years at the shop. If you want to enjoy a shave around your ears like your dad used to get, and the feel of an old time barbershop, stop by and see the girls.
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