Cookeville Celebrates A Century Of Hair

A lot can change in 100 years. Especially hairstyles.

A new exhibit at the Cookeville History Museum - "Cookeville HAIRitage" - explores this subject and welcomes additional stories and information from the community.

"Hair is important to all of us and is a reflection of our identity as we change with the times," Pam Philpot, Cookeville museums exhibit specialist, said. "Join us in celebrating the last 100 years of hairstyles, hair implements, hair vessels and hair torture devices just like grandma used."

Philpot hopes the exhibit will continue to evolve and expand due to community input and contributions. She would especially like more information about old beauty and barber shops.

"We are in search of photos," she said. "Please share any knowledge you might have of these Cookeville businesses."

The exhibit includes a timeline of hair through the decades as well as hair products and styling tools.

"We have a barber chair from Mister Wayne's, an important school of hair design in Cookeville, and many other hair implements used over the years," Philpot said. "So far, it's been fun to watch people look at the exhibit and remember products they used in the past. It brings about a little nostalgia."

Why do an exhibit about hair?

"We wanted it to be light, fun and relatable," Philpot said. "Also, barber shops and beauty shops were not only about styling hair; they were places where people gathered and shared stories in the community."

"Cookeville HAIRitage" continues through Nov. 6 at 40 E. Broad St. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 931-520-5455.