George S. Carpenter (September 8, 1858 - August 30, 1903)
As a barber at Harrison Barbershop, George Carpenter provided a valuable service and a valuable space.
George Carpenter’s role as a barber at Harrison Barbershop was more than a job. It symbolized the importance of Black-owned barbershops in Black communities after the end of slavery. Barbershops were among the few business opportunities open to Black men, allowing economic independence in a discriminatory era.
Black-owned barbershops like Harrison Barbershop were vital social and economic hubs. They provided safe spaces for Black men to discuss politics, community issues, and civil rights, fostering solidarity in an otherwise segregated society. Barbers were highly respected public figures with valuable skills, often passing their trade down through apprenticeships. These businesses nurtured Black entrepreneurship, often running as sole proprietorships or family businesses, creating economic stability and pathways for future generations.
By 1900, George, his wife Ellen, and their daughter Helen lived at 2000 New York Avenue, supported by his work as a barber.
George Carpenter was a barber at Harrison Barbershop.
In the 1880 census his occupation was as a barber. He was living at 102 Hickory Street, with his wife, Ellen Phillips, and daughter.
George married Ellen Phillips in 1878. They had a daughter Helen Carpenter.
In the 1900 census his occupation was as a barber. He was living at 2000 NY Avenue, with his
wife and daughter.
