Lincolnway Barber Shop: 132 Years Old and Still Going Strong

It could be said that when one has a passion for something, it’s not really work at all.

That’s how Don Kinley, owner of the Lincolnway Barber Shop, feels about cutting hair.

“I love cutting hair,” the 76-year-old barber said. “I like people. I’m never satisfied. I always want to do better.”

His wife, Sharon, attests to his passion.

“He says to me that it’s not work,” she said of her husband. “He takes a lot of joy in what he does.”

It’s that pride in one’s work and commitment to high standards that has kept the Lincolnway Barber Shop as a fixture in downtown Plainfield for more than a century.

Started by Don Kinley’s great-grandfather Albert Worst in 1881, the barber shop is the oldest continuing family business in Plainfield.

It has been in its current location, 24045 W. Lockport Street, since 1901, and has been owned by Kinley’s grandfather and uncle before he took ownership in 1993.

Black-and-white photos, some dating back to the late 1800s, are prominently displayed inside of the shop. Albert Worst’s professional regulation certification from the state of Illinois dated in 1909 is one of the many photos showcasing the barber shop’s unique history. Another photograph features horses lining Lockport Street in 1891 outside one of the barber shop’s prior locations.

“It’s an old-fashioned barber shop,” Kinley said of his business. “People come off the street whether they want a hair cut or not and sit on the bench and talk. It’s a good atmosphere.”

Kinley, an avid Cubs fan, said he enjoys the conversations with the customers, especially about sports. He’ll even talk about the White Sox, he joked.

He also credits the barber shop’s success to his hardworking barbers who take pride in their work.

“Our best advertisement is word of mouth and a good haircut,” Kinley said.

Barber Tony Padovano’s father also worked at the Lincolnway Barber Shop. Barber Jim Ganta and former barber Frank Metallo are among the men that help Kinley and create the hometown atmosphere. A new barber, Dustin Johns, starts this week.

While much has changed in Plainfield since the barber shop first opened, some things still remain the same, Kinley said.

The barbers will always be friendly, offer personal attention and spend time with their customers, he said.

After all, several generations of Plainfield area men have been coming to the Lincolnway Barber Shop.

The Lincolnway Barber Shop offers haircuts, kids haircuts and beard-trimming. A straight razor is used to clean up around the ears and neck.

The shop is closed Sundays and Mondays. It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. No appointments are needed.