History of Hairdressing in Gawler
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Hairdressing – History of Hairdressing in Gawler
Many of the colourful characters that have contributed to Gawler's rich tapestry as hairdressers have now passed on. A relatively small number of tonsilatory artists have literally touched all the residents of the town over a period of 175 years. [1]
Trends and styles have come and gone but the folklore that surrounded this relatively select industry needs to be documented before it is lost forever.
There are not too many of the hairdressers left to draw on for information but thanks to Trove, and the scanning of copies of the Bunyip newspaper, we are able to glean much of the goings on in those dens of haircuts, beard trims and shaves, tall stories and information sharing.
There has been a number of names that have enjoyed longevity in the hairdressing trade. Rawling and Freak, a business that closed in 1978 after 93 years continuous trading with just 4 owners. Other families including Couche, Gwynne and Martin saw more than one generation take on the trade.
They were mostly referred to as hairdressers and predominately men's services were mentioned in the Bunyip advertising. Some offered women's hairdressing services and this included visits to the privacy of your own home. The term “Barber” was seldom used, possibly because many of the original hairdressers were London trained and too refined for that term.
The 1800's
The first mentioned hairdresser was W. Wakefield in 1869. He described himself as a “Hair cutting, Dressing, and Shaving Establishment” Mr Wakefield claimed years of experience in London and the colonies and Ladies and Gentlemen could be waited on at their own residence. His shop was next to the Old Spot Hotel.
The population of Gawler in 1865 was 1694 of which 860 were males. In 1878, with a population of over 2000, there were 4 hairdressers.
One of those was Mr H Eberhard, Hairdresser and Fancy Goods dealer of Murray Street. Another business was established in June 1879 by Mr J.W. Stone and offered services to both men and women.
In 1936, Mr R. J Hill hairdresser died aged 70 and his obituary claims that he had been in business for 29 years. This would make him amongst the earliest in the trade, perhaps commencing in the 1880's. He moved from Gawler to Pt Pirie where he lived another 20 years.
In 1878 there were 4 hairdressers operating and Mr J Rawling opened his shop, in Murray Street opposite Jacob Street in 1886. In April 1888, Mr Rawling was subject to a robbery at his salon and the thief was caught an hour later with the stolen goods intact. In 1889 he was very ill and took time off work to recover.
J.W Stone and Jos.B Hocking continued to advertise frequently and Radford Hairdressers, “adjoining the Town Hall” announced in 1881 that he had taken over the business of the late Mr Wakefield and had added a “Ladies Hairdressing Room” where ladies may enjoy privacy and attention.
In 1884, Mr Radford advertised for an apprentice, the first such mention in the paper.
In December 1886, he sold out to Mr Charles Cope who offered “First class plunge baths for 4 pence.”
Radford moved from Gawler to Sydney and then to Melbourne in 1887, first opening up a hairdressing saloon in Kensington and then to Collins Street where he commenced to call himself a herbalist. It seems that most of his dealings were in a product that induced abortions and he was caught in a police sting. Police found herbs, medicines and equipment used in abortions.
Mr Radford's new career came to a sudden halt and he was jailed for 3 years for drug peddling.
P Anderson was operating as a Ladies and Gentleman's Hairdresser in June 1886.
A D McKenzie opened up a Tobacconist, Hairdresser & c near the Old Spot in Sept 1890 but the very next month he died and a sell off of all his equipment and goods took place.
Mr Arthur Window was in business as a Hairdresser and Tobacconist late 1899.
The 1900's
On the 8th February 1900, the following notice appeared in the Bunyip.[2]
“The undersigned Hairdressers and Tobacconists beg to notify the public that their respective establishments will after March 5, 1900, close at 8 o'clock each evening, except on Wednesday 22 when they will be closed at 1pm and not re-open until the following day. On Saturdays they will remain open until 10.30pm.”
Arthur Window, R.J. Hill, J Rawling
It doesn't say when they opened but it seems like hairdressers worked long hours each week.
Will.A Couche opened next to the Old Spot Hotel in 1900 and John Rawling and Arthur Window were frequently offering their services and fancygoods in weekly adverts in the Bunyip.
Stan Anderson announced that he would be opening an “up to date Hairdressing and Shaving Saloon” at the corner of Murray Street and Jacob Street in Feb 1903 and employing the services of Mr G Pearce, a Gawler local.
At that time, R.J.Hill's Hairdressers were advertising every known brand of imported tobacco and pipe at the cheapest prices. It seemed that there was a more aggressive advertising campaign as competition became more fierce.
In May 1904, Mr J Rawling announced that he had taken into partnership Mr H 'Fred' Freak who had “considerable experience in wig-making and ladies hairdressing” and who had been in his employ for 8 years. This began the partnership of Rawling and Freak, a name that remained on the door until 1978.
In April 1906, another major change occurred when Arthur Window sold his Business to Mr H Gwynne. Mr Window had operated the Saloon for 14 years.
R.J Hill who had been very aggressive with tobacco and pipe sales referred to his hairdressing business as “Tip-Top Hairdressers”.
In April 1911, hairdressers raised their prices as follows; Shaves 4d, haircuts 9d, and on Saturdays and holidays 1s, beard trimming and haircuts 1s, up to 1s 6p on Saturdays and holidays. Childrens haircuts 6d up to 1s on Saturdays and holidays, previously only 4p.
In February 1912, J Skurray opened a Saloon and Tobacconist on Block Road, Gawler South next to the newsagency.
Syd McCartin opened an up-to-date Hairdressing & Shaving Saloon opposite the Post Office with full stocks of Tobacconist Ware and appears to be offering a discount price on hair services. Referred to as “city prices”.
Mr RJ Hill left Gawler to purchase a business in Pt Pirie in May 1917. He has vigorously operated his business for 30 years and contributed to the community in many ways. He was given a big send-off at a valedictory social.
Will Couche proudly announces that he is assisted by Arthur (Mick) Woods at the “Old Spot Hairdressers” in 1918. Arthur was a cousin of Pte James Woods, a Two Wells born soldier who was awarded the VC in France in 1918.
In 1919, Mr Couche claimed to operate “the finest Hairdressing outside of Adelaide.”
H J Gwynne also a hairdresser in Gawler and also claimed this title [3]
Hairdressers, up until 1921 seemed to have a monopoly on the sales of tobacco and smoking requisites which they guarded vigorously. Even the law was on their side. There was an Act, which exempted Tobacconist shops in Gawler and prevented other shops selling smoking wares during the times that Tobacconist shops were closed. This was slowly being broken down by outside pressure.
Mr Roley Riggs opened up a Hairdresser and Tobacconist shop at Gawler South, next to Skurrays, his direct competition, in March 1922. Two years later, Roley was in the news as having won a “fortune” in a Calcutta Sweep. It cost him 15 rupees and it took some time before it's legitimacy could be proved. At first the rumours said that it could be 25,000-30,000 pounds but eventually it turned out to only be 400 pounds less claims made on wealth by the state.
Mr Couche celebrated 25 years in business in 1925 and still going strong.
Keith Martin was in business as a Hairdresser in 1925 and it was reported that one of Gawler's worst tragedies occurred at his home in Short Street where a murder -suicide was committed. Keith's mother Mrs Rhoda Martin was fatally shot by a young border and mystery surrounded the murder and what made the otherwise smart and easygoing young boy snap.
In December 1925, the Australian President of the Hairdresser's Employees Union was called to a meeting in Gawler to discuss the conditions that local hairdressers were required to work under. The locals were seeking to be able to work under the same conditions as their Adelaide counterparts.
A new act also came into effect at this time, which disallowed hairdressers from opening on the mornings of public holidays. Previously they were exempt but this was now changed and enforced, much to the chagrin of the hairdressers as it challenged their dominance of the market.
In March 1926, the Hairdressers of Gawler banded together to provide trophies for the trotting meeting. It was only the second meeting held by the Gawler Trotting Club.
In March 1927, the Hairdressers played the Combined banks in a cricket game. Playing for the Hairdressers were J. Diffucio, H. Moran, H. Gwynne, S. Beadnall, K. Moran, C. Freeman, F.F.Graue, W. Richards, P. Gwynne, S. Rau and M. Martin. We do not know for sure if all these named are hairdressers but it is the first mention of Harold Moran and his brother Kevin who would have been just launching their long hairdressing careers.
In 1929, after 23 years in business, Mr H J Gwynne updated his saloon and this was enough to draw the attention of the Bunyip reporter.
“A Leading Saloon – It is always gratifying to report Gawler Business houses keeping up with the times; and Mr H J Gwynne's hairdressing and tobacconist's ware, opposite the Town Hall, is as replete and up-to-date as any metropolitan tonsorial establishment. Mr Gwynne has installed electricity to his aid , and electric hair clippers are available on all three chairs, the apparatus being handily available on elevated pulleys. An instantaneous electric heater gives hot water immediately, and his clients have the advantage that all instruments are sterilised beneath the cleansing heat before being used on the person. The saloon has been freshly decorated, finished in light airy colours, and the woodwork shows fine example of the grainer's art. The shop generally has an inviting appearance, enhanced by the knowledge that all requirements in the “weed” may be obtained, as well as toilet and sporting requisites”
In 1869, Mr Wakefield advertised that you could get a “hair cut until dark” and the advent of electricity at Mr Gwynnes, make you marvel how they coped working up until 8pm without power.
In January, the Hairdressers played the Banks at doubles tennis and were represented by P.Gwynne and J Difuccio, F.Gwynne and A Rau, K. Martin and H Gwynne. The Bankers won.
The next month, they played Lewiston H. Moran and K. Tiver joined the Hairdressers team.
Mr Fred Freak died in January 1930 at the young age of 46. His wife survived him by 17 years and died in 1947.
In October 1931, the Bill changing the weekly Wednesday half-holiday for hairdressers and assistants in Gawler was introduced and it seemed inevitable that the unique opening hours situation that existed in the town would soon end. Next month, the act passed and this meant hairdressers could trade on Wednesdays but had to close on Saturday afternoons.
By May 1932 the opening hours of Hairdressing Saloons was finally agreed upon by the Minister and the shopkeepers. Monday-Thursday closing time will be 8pm, Friday, 9pm and Saturdays, 1pm.
The first Ladies Hairdresser to be advertised opened up in March 1933. Zareta Beauty Nook set up next to Coulter's and was owned by R Hoffrichter, “late Mayfair Adelaide” This is possibly the first hairdresser to advertise appointments by phone, their number 239.
In June 1935, another hairdresser came on the scene when J Mortimer opened “Absolutely the most modern and up-to-date Hairdressing Saloon in Gawler.” Mr Mortimer offered electric clippers, electric hot water, face massaging and shampooing. They were also local agents for Healing Golden Voiced Radio, no doubt the latest invention for locals to inspect. The shop was located in the Regal Buildings, Murray Street.
Keith Martin was advertising Permanent Waving, full head 10/6d and half head 6/6d.
Mr R J Hill died in Pt Pirie age 70. He continued to operate as a hairdresser in the town after leaving Gawler in 1917.
The price of haircuts began to rise again after the depression where the prices fell by 33.3%, 1/6d down to 1s. They were now being raised to 1/3d. It seems that hairdressers worked harder and longer than most other trades, being available to the public for 65 hours per week in an age when the normal hours was 44 hours and employees demanding this be reduced to 40 or 36 hours.
The secretary of the Master Hairdresser Association placed a notice in the Bunyip that “all Hairdressers will charge 1/3d for haircuts as of Monday 11th May.” (The ACCC today would muse at this.)
Doris Wilson announced that she was operating as a Ladies' Hairdresser in Adelect Building in Murray Street.
In August 1939, Will A Couche was knocked off his cycle as he was returning to work after lunch. He was treated in hospital but recovered well.
Following a Council meeting in April 1940, all Hairdressing Saloons would be inspected by Health Officials to see that they were sanitary and free from infection.
In 1942 we learn a little about the town as they were forging their way out of the depression. Here is an interesting story about Mr Rawling. Note he was nearly 60 years on the job.
“THE MATCH SHORTAGE
Noticed on Monday morning Murray Street's oldest businessman, Mr- John Rawling, for nearly 60 years in business as tobacconist and hairdresser, with a threepence in his hand,
going off to see if he could buy a box of matches ! His own supplies exhausted for the week Mr Rawling had to have a light for his morning cigar. On his counter stands what he terms 'the lighthouse,' a miniature kero fed lamp, lighted for the benefit of customers;. but on Monday he did not have a match to put to the wick. People are now lucky if they can secure more than one box of matches at a time.”
November 1944, Jean Cunningham James was a well known Ladies hairdresser in Murray Street Gawler, when she lost her husband, local identity Bill James, aged 41 years.
Mr John Rawling died in March 1945. He was born in York, England in 1860 and commenced business as a Hairdresser and Tobacconist in 1884.
OBITUARY Mr. John Rawling
Murray Street's oldest businessman, Mr. J. Rawling, passed away at his home in Tod St., on Wednesday after a short illness. John Rawling was born at York, England, on December 17th, 1860 and arrived in South Australia in January 1884, accompanied by his brother in-law Mr. Jas Ashton (the artist). Coming to Gawler the next year he started a hairdresser and tobacconist
business in Murray Street and until a few weeks ago still took an active part in the business. Mr. Rawling was interested in Freemasonry and in held the office of Worshipful Master; he was a Life Member of the Lodge of Fidelity, Gawler. Mr.Rawling was the holder of the Royal Humane Society's Australasian bronze medal for the rescue of a Mrs. Pope from drowning at West Island, Encounter Bay. Known affectionately to his many customers and friends as 'Johnny' he was in his 84th year. The remains were interred in St. George's, cemetery on Thursday afternoon. There is left a widow, Frances Rawling.
In March 1946, Harold Weaver advised that he has re-opened his Service Station and Hairdressing Saloon at Willaston. The public could buy car tyres, cycle tyres, batteries, retreads and get a haircut at the same time. He also had a large range of Fancy goods, oils and razor blades.
Keith Martin's Daughter Pauline was following her father's footsteps into the trade and was seeking models for all classes of ladies hairdressing in June 1946. At the same time Keith Martin was advertising Cold Permanent Waving and promoted his phone number 187.
On Tuesday, 17th June 1947, Miss Joan Boomer, (late of Zareta) advertised a new business as a fully qualified Ladies Hairdresser. She would also be stocking cosmetics and perfumes and could be contacted on Gawler ph 199.
Mrs Ida Freak, wife of Frederick died in 1947 aged 65.
Pauline Martin competed in the Country Open Hair Styling Competition at the Adelaide Town Hall and was placed third. Pauline had to concede a lot as the others were qualified hairdressers where as Pauline was in her second year of attendance at Trade School.
Mrs Frances Rawling passed away in November 1947 and Mr Harold Moran took over the business of Rawling and Freak which he ran until 1973.
OBITUARY The late Mrs. F. Rawling
By the death of Mrs. F. Rawling, recently, Gawler lost another old resident. She was the widow of the late Mr. John Rawling, who for many years conducted the well-known business of Rawling & Freak, tobacconists and hairdressers, of Murray Street. After the death of her husband the late Mrs. Rawling managed the business until failing health compelled her to retire from active work. Mr.Harold Moran then took over the management on -Mrs. Rawling's behalf. The deceased was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Baldock. and was born in-Gawler over 70 years ago. She resided here for practically the whole of her life, Of a most kindly' and charitable- nature/she will, be missed by her many friends.
Pauline Martin continued her hard work and gained further success in achieving 1st class pass and trophy in 2nd year. This follows her success in topping the state in her 1st year.
In her 3rd year at the end of 1948, Pauline received a 1st class pass and won a trophy and 3pounds.
Mr G Smith was operating as a Hairdresser in February 1948 and donated trophie to a Rifle Club function.
Local identity and well known hairdresser, Jean Whinnen was enjoying a break in New Zealand.
Mr Herb Gwynne passed away in August 1953, and this story appeared on the front page of the Bunyip emphasising the esteem in which he was held.
SUDDEN PASSING OF Mr. H. J. GWYNNE
The death occurred suddenly at his home early Sunday morning of well-known and widely respected Gawler resident Mr. Herbert James Gwynne. He had experienced intervals of ill-health over the past few months, but, latterly, gave the appearance of good recovery. Aged 67 years, he had been in business as hairdresser and tobacconist since 1906 — an unbroken period of 47 years. A member of the Masonic Lodge of Fidelity he wasMaster in 1939 and also Master of the Mark Lodge. He was a Trustee of the local Oddfellows Lodge. A keen bowler, and subsequent President of the Gawler Club, he scored many outstanding victories stretching from1932 to 1945. During 1941 he won the S.A. Singles Championship. In one period of I8 years he missed only one pennant match. Golf is another sport in which the late Mr. Gwynne excelled and on different occasions he was President of the local Club. In earlier years he was greatly interested in coursing. As President of Gawler &District Tennis Association for three years he worked for the benefit of that sport. A few years ago Mr Gwynne took up poultry-raising as a hobby and had marked success in Parafield competitions. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, there being a big assemblage at Willaston cemetery where Rev. A. R.Broadbent conducted the graveside service. There remain his widow, daughters Gwen (Mrs. G.Ames) and Beryl (Mrs. G. Fairley) and sons Fred and John.
Mr Gwynne was obviously held in great esteem in the town and this report was printed in the Bunyip on 1st August 1941.
HAIRDRESSER, TOBACCONIST, SPORTING GOODS.
In modem times, as in times of old, the local- hairdresser's establishment has a 'tendency to become a sort of meeting place for the male occupants of the town, and many and varied are the topics, there discussed- Matters of social, sporting, and even political interest are weighed as to their pros and cons; and 'to-day the progress of the aspects of the war are naturally general topics within censorship bounds of course.
And in this friendly and congenial atmosphere, the hairdresser's business of Mr. H. J. Gwynne of Murray St. is conducted to-day as it has been for the last 35 years, and is one of the oldest surviving businesses here. Mr. Gwynne is indeed a man's shop in every sense of the word. Not only is there a well equipped and modern hairdressing saloon, but there is the splendidly stocked shop with tobaccos and cigarettes, smokers' requisites and sundries, men's toiletries, shaving equipment, and of course, sporting goods of many kinds. Mr. Gwynne is well qualified to advise on sporting goods since he is himself an enthusiast. He plays bowls and golf, and last season won the State's Singles (Bowls)' Championship, -He is also a foundation member of the Gawler Gun Club and Golf Club. His son Fred who is associated with him in the business is a keen golfer and can be depended upon to make a good showing at the State championships. Like other members of 'his family, Mr- Gwynne is a floricultural enthusiast- His specially developed blooms have won acclamation throughout the State.
A civic minded citizen, Mr- Gwynne always takes an interest in local affairs and naturally gives them his practical support. Above all, Mr. Gwynne is a local man whose whole life has been spent in the district; so when next you require a haircut or shave, or any 'tobacconists' goods, go to Mr Gwynne.
Fred Gwynne took over his father's business following his death and was renowned in Gawler for sales of sporting goods, art and craft material, and tobacco goods along with the long standing hairdressing business. The name of “H.J. Gwynne Hairdresser” remained on the door long after his death, such was the institution established by Bert Gwynne.
In 1954 Diane Ladies Hairdressing Salon was opened.
DEATH COUCHE — On 14th December 1954 at the Hutchinson Hospital, Gawler, William Arthur, the beloved husband of Edith Lil-lian Couche, of Fotheringham Terrace, Gawler, and loved father of Amy, Bert, Melva and Lilla (dec), aged 73 yrs.The funeral service was con-ducted by the Rev. A. R.Broadbent in the Dudley Park Cemetery on 16th December and the funeral arrangements were in the hands of Taylor & Forgie, Undertakers, Gawler.
In Nov 1949, Bert Couche had sold up in Alice Springs ready for a move to Gawler after operating a hairdressing saloon in the “Alice” for 12 years.
So in the early 1960's, Gawler had several long term hairdressing businesses. Bert Couche operated next to the picture theatre, (corner Calton Road).
Ron Wasley completed his apprenticeship with Harold Moran in the early 1950's and following a rift with Harold, left to open his own business on the southern side of the South End Hotel.
Fred Gwynne was operating opposite the Town Hall and Keith Martin was in the twighlight of his career opposite the GJ Coles Store which is now a carpark in the centre of Murray street.
Harold Moran was proprietor of Rawling and Freak and took on Neil Rau as an apprentice. Neil was heir apparent to the business but his life was cut short by cancer and he died in April 1968 aged just 23. David West commenced his apprenticeship in May 1968, a month after Neil's passing and completed it in 1973. Harold Moran died in October that year and David took over the business for a further 5 years, this making him only the fourth owner of Rawling and Freak in 93 years.
This era saw the retirement of Keith Martin, Bert Couche and Fred Gwynne and the emergence of Nick Circosta who opened up on the corner of Finniss and Murray Street. He engaged one apprentice, Tony Bombaderie who eventually took over the business.
Ladies Hairdressers opening up included Shergis and Schwerdts, and Diane Salon.
Ron Wasley moved to Bert Couche's site upon Bert's retirement and redevelopment of the Picture Theatre building. Ron always worked on his own. He passed away in 2007 aged 75.
Keith Martin worked part time for Harold Moran up until 1973, a period spanning 50 years and maintained good health and a keen interest in community activities. He passed away in September 1974 aged 72.
The Modern Era
Dave Oliver from Dave the Barber in Murray Street has been able to go back as far as 1983 and this is his most useful contribution.
In 1983 Larry Chiera opened Larry’s Tobacconist and Hairdressing in the back left hand corner of Victory Square. He then sold to Cosimo Manno between 1987 and 1988 who then renamed the business Gawler Hairdressing and Tobacconist, flourishing in the tobacco business and slowly building a clientele for the Barber shop for years to come.
New shops on the northern side of Victory Square between the Prince Albert Hotel and the existing shops and Gawler Hairdressing and Tobacconist moved from the back corner to the front corner.
In 1993 Cosimo Manno sold to Gail and Tony Pipicella who in turn sold to Dave and Linda Oliver in 2000.
In 1988 4 barber shops were working in the main street, Tony Bombaderie was at the top of Murray Street (now Tony Piccolo’s office) Brendan’s Barber shop was at the corner of Lyndoch road and Murray Street, Gawler Hairdressing and Tobacconist in Victory Square and Ron Wasley was on the corner of Murray Street and Calton Road.
Tony Bombaderie closed in 1990; Brendan’s is still going and has gone unisex. Ron Wasley retired and passed away in 2007.
Hairdressing in 2015 is a very differently run business, social media plays a big part in the industry for example; just about every shop has a website and can daily show off their work online by either web page or Facebook.
A great tool for advertising but, when people aren’t happy everyone knows about it whether the hairdresser has a say or not. On the other hand mobile phones with cameras and internet have taken a lot of the guess work out of what a client is asking for, for example; they show you a photo on their phone.
It is still one of the few trades, that thankfully in the history of hairdressing a computer just can’t do.
David Oliver
Dave The Barber
Trends over the 175 years
Styles have changed over the history of Gawler and two world events changed the way men, in particular wore their hair.
A scan through the photographs of our forefathers indicate many beards and mid length hair styles. This would have only required a trim and a neaten up. Some men had more styled shorter hair but this was generally among the younger generation of the time.
This trend was evident until the breakout of WW1 when out of necessity hair needed to be kept shorter and beards shaved. Soldiers had no time or facilities for personal grooming of this type and so a new style was born.
Short back and sides was the preferred style of most and shaving every few days at the hairdressers was also the norm. Customers had their own cut-throat razor and shaving mug kept at the hairdressers and they would line up regularly for a haircut and a shave, quite often before the Saturday night shindigs.
The short back and sides tradition continued until the early 1960's when a music group called the Beatles set a new trend to break the one that had lasted nearly 50 years. The Mop Tops as they were some times called had a world wide following like no other and the youthful followers wanted their hair styled like them.
This new trend caused much discernment amongst the families. Fathers had only known one style, the short back and sides and many were adamant that their boys would not be wearing the new fashion.
Hairdresser of the era David West says “I saw family rows erupt each day over the length of the boys hair and I am sure some families split up over the issue. Certainly a lot of respect was lost over the fathers insistence that the short back and sides be maintained and as a hairdresser, I was in the middle of pleasing the father who was paying me and empathising with the lad who would no doubt suffer peer pressure and chastisement at school tomorrow”
It was a battle that went on for years, quite often until the lad was old enough to leave home. The boys sometimes had unusual allies in their sisters. They applied their charm and appeal to their father to show leniency and very often got some reprieve for the boy.
“As a former hairdresser I note that many of us from that era still have full styled hair while our children have taken to reverting back to their grandfathers time”
Shaving seemed to die out in the late 50's to mid 60's with the advent of more reliable razors that people could use at home. David recalls “When I started in 1968 we were doing about 2-3 shaves a month and I probably did no more than 6 or 8 during my career. We still had the cut-throats lined up on the bench in front of the chairs, probably 20 to 25 of them. It was a part of the job I was glad to see gone”.
Hairdressers used to hone and sharpen razors for customers to shave at home. They also had to attend the hospital and sick people at home to shave them. “I can remember Harold Moran telling me that he would often be called up to the 'Hutch' to do the shaving, sometimes in readiness for an operation”
Ladies salons encompassed a wide range of services from hair to nails to make up assistance. We don't know much about these establishments in Gawler in the very early days. Perhaps they were more discreet and did not advertise their business. Perhaps there was not the need as ladies wore shawls and scarves.
As permanent waves and colouring became popular, this introduced a new level of skill requirement and special training and we saw many such claims in the Bunyip to this end. Specialist Hairdressers were set up as opposed to the general purpose Salons that offered a variety services.
The new wave
Gawler today has a new wave of hairdressers, carrying out the duties of a tonsorial artist as required by their 21st century customers but are blissfully unaware of the rich tapestry of history that has gone before them in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Will we ever again see the longevity in the trade like Rawling and Freak, Harold Moran and David West spanning a period of 93 years as a single identity?
Or Will Couche who opened his business in 1900 and was succeeded by his son Bert into the 1960's.
Herb and Fred Gwynne operated for more than 50 years and Keith Martin and daughter Pauline for more than 50 years.
How many 'back yarders' were there in Gawler during this time? There were probably plenty of people willing to try their hand at cutting hair and earn a few 'bob' along the way.
These people also lend their stories to the history of hairdressing in Gawler. We will never know what really went on in these 'dens' during this time. It is up to us to imagine the stories, the characters, the conditions and the hardship of the times.
If you have a story of your experience in a hairdressing shop, ladies or gents, please add your little piece to this rich tapestry of Gawler’s History.
Click here to watch a slideshow presentation compiled by David West and presented for the Gawler History Team in May 2015.
Please click here for photos relating to hairdressing in Gawler.
Related Articles
References
- ↑ Written by David West in 2015 - a Hairdresser of Gawler
- ↑ Advertising (1900, February 16). Bunyip (Gawler, SA : 1863 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100579662
- ↑ Advertising (1919, May 2). Bunyip (Gawler, SA : 1863 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100420713
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