By Mary Pritchard, Contributing Writer
Westborough – The buzz is spreading around town. Phil Evangelous, otherwise known as “Phil the Barber,” is retiring at the end of this month after 46 years of owning and operating Phil's Barber Shop in Westborough.
Phil, who grew up in Marlborough and decided during high school to become a barber, takes pride in the successful business and the neighborhood gathering place he has crafted. Located on the rotary in the heart of Westborough center, the shop serves as a social place where a haircut is accompanied by friendliness, humor and conversation.
As his official retirement quickly approaches, Phil reflected on his career of 48 years and all the people who have spent time in his shop through the years. Looking around the establishment, which is adorned with memorabilia, Phil noted some of the traditions he has established in his shop and the atmosphere he has created.
“I still use heated lather and a straight razor, and the barber pole in my window is the same as it was when I began here,” he said. “There are toys in the front window for the kids, video games, TV, surround sound, and lots of memorabilia.” Spiders that “climb” the wall on pulleys, a fake ear in a jar, and giant scissors are ways Phil has used his sense of humor to help keep kids in the chair for their haircut. The buckets of candy next to his chair are enjoyed by children and adults.
“I have “Saturday morning surveys” with the guys in the shop; I choose a question or topic and I survey the guys for their opinion,” he said.
What began about 15 years ago as his “Crying Wall” with photos of kids after their first haircut, has evolved into a sizable “Picture Wall of Fame.” The photos represent more than haircuts, as Phil can tell you about the people in the pictures. In addition to the hundreds of photos, the wall is filled with notes to, and about, Phil.
“About a year ago, I decided I was going to paint the wall, so before I painted, I let the kids write on the wall,” he said. “I never did paint it.” In the last few weeks, Phil has been giving people their pictures off the wall when they come in.
The free baby's first haircut has been a signature service of his business.
“I'se always done the baby's first haircut for free,” he said.? “Many of those kids have kept coming to me,” he said.
Phil pointed to a birth announcement tacked to his wall.
“One thing that is particularly upsetting as I leave is this; this baby's dad has been coming to me for about 25 or 26 years – I did his first haircut. I received the announcement of his baby's birth with a note mentioning the baby's first haircut. I's pretty upset that I can's give that child their first haircut.”
Phil said he and his wife, Sandy, will soon celebrate 50 years of marriage. They have two children, Scott and Sarah, and six grandchildren. Spending more time with his wife is the main reason for his retirement.
“I's retiring for various reasons,” he said. “For 10 years, Sandy has been living at the Cape, and I'se been living here during the week. It's time.”
Phil, who will turn 70 this month, and his wife will be busy with vacations, trips to New Zealand and Maryland to visit their children, and he has begun a house and property management business in South Yarmouth.
A long-time fixture in town, Phil has strived to be a good neighbor.
“I's very community-oriented,” he said. “I like to support other small local businesses. I'se been a sponsor for the Westborough Little League, and have supported local sports and causes.”
Recently Phil began telling people about his retirement and the news has been spreading.
“Saying good-bye is, without a doubt, the hardest thing I'se experienced in my career,” he said. “I'se started to tell people that I's retiring, because there are so many customers that I have a personal connection with, I want them to hear the news from me.? It's emotional for me. Even adult men are hugging me and teary-eyed.
“I think the highlights of my career have been the satisfaction of watching the kids who come in grow up, the support I'se had from my customers, and the kids who have come in for their first haircut and still come in – many of them now bringing their own children,” he said. “Longevity also stands out in my mind; I'se been lucky with the good health I'se had – this is a one-man show, and aside from some injuries that kept me from work, I have never missed a day from being sick.”
His business has been sold and Phil's last day will be Saturday, Sept. 29.
“I encourage people to come in and give the new owners a chance,” he said. “I want my customers to know that it has been a pleasure being here for 46 years – I'se had such good customers who have become good friends, and I thank them for supporting me over the years. I will remember them forever.”
Phil welcomes his customers to email him at [email protected].