Our Town Revisited: Perry & Gates Barbershop

Salisbury, Md. – In November of 1999, Former WMDT anchor and reporter Kelley Rouse took us to Perry and Gates Barber shop in Salisbury. Looking back at our trip down memory lane, over the past 25 years, many things have changed about the neighborhood, the hair styles, and even the prices.  However, the one thing that remains, is that Perry & Gates, still care about the community.

Foundation 

In 1977, Marion Perry and James Gates decided to be more than just barbers, but businessmen, and planted themselves on the corner of West Road in Salisbury. 55-year-old Richard Gates is the son of James Gates and is now the owner of the Barbershop. He says people can barely remember a time the shop wasn’t here. “The haircut was just part of it you know, the stuff you get outside of the haircut, I think is what they appreciated the most.”

Farewell 

Both Perry and Gates worked side by side, until the early 2000’s when Perry was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He sold the business to Gates, who also was diagnosed with cancer as we. Sadly, both passed away, but little did they know that their legacy would continue to live on for almost half a century. Richard says, “2027 will be 50 years, imagine, 50, on this corner. We’ve seen them come, we’ve seen them go, we’re still here. effortlessly.”

Fresh Cuts 

Back in the day, a hair cut would cost about $5-$10, and the freshest styles ranged from high-tops, Jerri curls, and fades. While the prices have gone up a little, the styles have always stayed fresh, and Gates had a way with a razor, according to his son. “When the curls were famous, when designs were famous, when flat-tops were famous, oh my goodness I’ve had them all” says Richard. “One thing I do remember that you don’t see a lot, have you ever noticed eyebrow arches? He had a clientele that, the ladies he would do eyebrows freehand with the razors, so I think that was a calling that I don’t see very much anymore.”

Family

Richard says he can still remember his first haircut, and both Perry and Gates were true examples of fatherhood. “Marion was a little more, a little more bossy. Would you agree, remember G? He was a little more strict. Pop, pop was a little more patient, I think.” He goes on to say, “I remember the kids that used to come in and sweep the floor, I used to think of them as my brothers because, the way he took care of them. He showed them so much attention over the years they felt like siblings to me.”

Future

Richard’s relationship with his barbers is similar to the relationship Perry and Gates had with each other, and the community. He wants the Perry & Gates Barbershop to continue to help others succeed for another 50 years. “You are offering somebody a whole profession, I grew up on that profession. So, you know, to just give somebody a profession that they could have a living with, I think that’s good. I like that. I’d like for us to continue that, I really would.”

Perry & Gates Barbershop is located at 806 West Road, Salisbury, MD. They’re open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday until 6:00 p.m. If you’re or someone you know is interested in getting a fresh cut, tell them to stop by or visit their Facebook page for more information.