Prater recalls 47 years of shears
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“It got to the point where I couldn’t say I liked anything,” said Prater, who has been a barber for 47 years. “Someone would ask me, ‘Hey, do you like turnip greens?’ And if I said yes, they’d try to give me turnip greens for a haircut.”
Prater says he’s come to expect such offers since he doesn’t shy away from saying, “This is half a barber shop and half a trading post. I think I’ve traded just about everything.”
Prater has operated his barbershop out of his home near the Civic Center for the last 40 years. That’s part of the reason he’s able to cut hair for the lowest price in town – just $2 – and part of the reason it’s a common sight to see his barbershop overflowing with customers.
“I’ve probably had 20 of them waiting at a time,” said Prater. “I used to be open till 8 o’clock at night and I remember some nights I wouldn’t stop working until 11. That’s how many people would be lined up here waiting.”
As with most barbershops, it’s the customers who provide the spice, and Prater has his share of regulars. Leonard Slatton is one of them and he goes way back with Bill.
“I used to beat him in horseshoes,” said Slatton with a wide grin. “Then I’d start feeling sorry for him so I’d let him win a game every once in awhile.”
“Yeah, he let me win a few games,” said Prater. “I guess it was so I’d still cut his hair right.”
Back in his day, Prater was competitive in just about everything from badminton to tennis. He’s not so swift on his feet nowadays, but he’s still a pretty mean shot when it comes to pool.
“I’m still getting better,” said Prater. “I’ve only been playing about 50 or 60 years.”
Prater has been cutting hair almost as long as he’s been shooting pool and has some longtime customers. He says he’s been cutting Herb Klasek’s hair for the past 45 years, although that figure is up for debate.
“It won’t be 45 years until April,” said Klasek. “He’s still got a few more months to go.”
With so many customers over the years, Prater knows just about everyone in town. That’s one reason some of his friends have encouraged him to run for public office.
“They come in here and tell me, ‘Go ahead and run. Everybody knows you,'” said Prater. “I say that’s what I’m afraid of. Everybody knows me.”
There aren’t many rules in Prater’s barbershop and tall tales are encouraged. But a sign on the wall clearly indicates foul language won’t be tolerated.
Prater is a member of the Church of Christ and religion, along with politics, are popular topics of conversation. He says tempers can flare when either topic is discussed.
“I’ve always said I have more Bible talk in here than in church on Sunday,” said Prater, who keeps a Bible within reach to settle any arguments. “You hear all types of preaching and I don’t even take up a collection.”
Anyone who knows Bill knows he’s a man who keeps up with his money. His customers are quick to joke he probably still has the first dollar he ever earned. And just about everything he owns can be bought for the right price.
So why does he only charge $2 for a haircut when other shops ask for $10? “Because I don’t want to charge any more,” said Prater giving the most straightforward answer possible.
Prater has been married to wife Frances for 33 years. His barbershop, located on 102 Park Avenue, is open Thursdays and Fridays from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.