In a year when many small businesses are trying to figure out how to stand out, one familiar Barnesville institution decided not to chase the next trending fad, but instead chose to lean into its own story.
Inside Bankston’s Barber Shop and Salon, a new historical display now fills the space with far more than old tools and photographs. It tells a story of family, craftsmanship, community, and continuity, a story that stretches across more than a century and into the present day.
Owner Dan Bankston said of the new feature of his shop, “The display was inspired by our family’s wish to celebrate the business’s journey and its deep roots within the community, ensuring that new generations understand its legacy and evolution over the years we have been in the community.”
That legacy is now visible as customers walk through the shop.
A Display with Sentimental Meaning
The display functions almost like a museum, blending artifacts, art, and personal history into a visual timeline of the Bankston family and the shop’s evolution.
On one side, Dan Bankston says the display features implements used daily by his late grandfather and the shop’s original owner, Billy Bankston Sr., including his original barber chair, shoe-shine chair, and cabinets dating back to 1938. It also includes a Coke machine that was part of the business in the 1960s.
The other side of the display honors Dan’s father, Billy Bankston, Jr., and it includes similar items with the addition of Billy Jr.’s mounted 44-pound striped bass. “There are large oil paintings of my grandfather and father to remember the locations in which they worked and the style of clothing worn. Customers can also see photographs of the building, staff, and customers over the decades, along with vintage menus, business advertisements, artifacts related to the shop’s significant milestones, and stories and anecdotes about the owners and patrons who shaped the business.”
For longtime customers, the items may stir memories of the past. For younger visitors, they offer a sense of local history they can physically see and appreciate.
Dan’s Personal Favorite Pieces
Among all the artifacts, a few are special to Dan Bankston.
When asked what items stand out to him the most, Dan said, “My grandfather’s and father’s barber chairs! I am currently still using my grandfather’s second chair that he purchased in 1961.”
One can imagine all the individuals who sat in those chairs to chat, get a haircut, and form friendships.
Dan mentioned that all of his grandfather’s barber licenses from his long career are visible artifacts.
Dan also believes the inclusion of art adds a creative element to the new history museum and serves as a bridge between past and present, portraying the late Billy Bankston Sr. standing outside Bankston’s Barber Shop and Billy Bankston Jr. in the Hair Hut.
“The oil paintings depict the style of clothing and locations in which they worked. It also shows how, over time, the shop has changed, and we have to stay current for our community.”
Dan is proving that honoring tradition does not mean keeping the status quo.
Celebrating the Bankston Legacy
For the Bankston family, preserving and sharing this story is about more than the warm feelings of nostalgia. “It’s about connecting the present experience to the past and fostering a sense of continuity and shared heritage,” said Dan. “Preserving this history is important to the family because it provides a sense of identity and legacy, demonstrating a commitment to ‘doing business the right way’ over time and building trust with patrons. It honors the hard work of past generations and reinforces the business’s value as a local institution.”
New Branding
In 2025, that idea extended beyond the museum feature into the shop’s updated branding. The business has a new sign and logo.
“The inspiration for the new logo/sign design stems from a desire to blend the historical character with a modern aesthetic, reflecting adaptability and a forward-looking vision. Trisha Renee designed the artwork for the new logo.”
And the goal behind that design is clear:
“The new branding reflects the direction of moving toward a future that is both conscious of its heritage and committed to innovation, quality, and sustainable practices. The design balances a classic, timeless feel with contemporary elements to appeal to a broad audience and signal a commitment to staying relevant in an evolving market.”
Rooted in Hair and Still Growing
The Bankston story itself is as layered as the display now inside the shop.
Dan Bankston joined his family legacy as the Bankston barbering heritage continues. Billy Bankston, Sr. first opened Bankston’s Barber Shop on Main Street in 1938. This was not just a haircutting institution, but the place where men of the town gathered to socialize. In 1975, Billy Bankston, Jr. opened the Hair Hut, a more progressive hair salon serving both men and women. Dan merged the two together in 2007 and created Bankston’s Barber Shop and Salon.
That willingness to adapt while still honoring history is exactly why Bankston’s stands out as a business thinking creatively in 2025.
They didn’t pull out their roots. They styled them front and center.
The Bankston history display is a bridge between generations, a reminder that sometimes the best way for a business to move forward starts by embracing where you’ve been.
Bankston’s Barber Shop and Salon is located at 13 Market Street in Barnesville’s downtown historic business district.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
