ORANGE PARK – Tucked away in the heart of the town is a true hidden gem: the Modern Barber and Style Shop. Since opening its doors in 1956, this small-town barbershop has become an iconic fixture, capturing the lifeblood of Southern Americana culture.

Faye Wallace, the shop’s manager, has been a loyal employee since 1992, when she was hired on the spot by former owner, William “Bill” Mann, a U.S. Marines veteran.

“I was working someplace else, and another girl quit. I found out about the job. I came over to talk to him, and he hired me on the spot. That was in July of 1992, and I enjoyed working with the man because he was quite comical. After he passed away, I just continued to work here because it was a great job,” she said.

Wallace said her time with Modern Barber and Style has been nothing short of extraordinary.

“Great job, great customers, great people that come in,” she said.

She’s served four generations of some families.

“It’s a pretty nice place. We enjoy our people,” Wallace said.

The barber shop, which is the oldest in Clay County, is a cherished institution in Orange Park. It’s not just a place for haircuts, but instead, a hub for stories, memories and community fellowship.

“It’s been in the same location, and people know it’s here. That’s why we have generations of people that kept coming in,” she said.

The shop, pro-military and patriotic, is adorned with photographs of fighter planes and warships on its walls, some of even which pre-date the shop’s storied 67-year history in the town.

“We used to cut hair for a lot of guys from Cecil Field before it closed, including the Blue Angel pilots and most of the people from the base,” she said.

Step inside the shop, and you’ll be greeted with a sweeping feeling of nostalgia.

From the barber chairs to the old photographs to the hidden backroom with a giant aerial shot of Mayport and the old Coca-Cola machine, to the antiques, toys and treasures like the old coffee mugs, miniature American flags, and vintage signs such as the one that reads “Corvette: America’s Only Authentic Sports Car,” you’ll feel as if you literally stepped into a time machine and returned to the 1970s.

The photographs feature fighter planes, warships and a spaceship. Many of them were hand-picked by Modern Barber and Style’s military customers that once piloted or sailed those vessels.

“All of the military guys would bring in the pictures and things and say, ‘was on that plane, I was on that ship,’” she said.

The shop’s modest and homey red brick structure, three-chair, two-room set-up, which is filled with antiques and old treasures, captures the spirit of a bygone era.

For employees and customers alike, the shop isn’t just a place for haircuts, but rather a home away from home.

“It’s a really great place to work. You come in, do your job, talk with folks, and go home,” she said.

You’ll never find Jenifer Strickland, a 16-year employee and resident of Keystone Heights, not smiling.

Strickland echoed her boss’s sentiment: “It’s a good place, and we hope it stays for a long, long, time, and even more,” she said.

The shop’s historical significance to the town and county is undeniable, and the staff is eager to preserve Modern Barber and Style’s unique, enthralling and nostalgic heritage.

Wallace believes that the shop is well-qualified candidate to be added to the U.S. Register of National Historic Places.

“We would like to (apply). I think it’s a historical building to still be the same business as long as it has been. That’s pretty good. There’s not too many businesses that can say that anywhere. But for us to continue to stay in business is a testament to or work and love of our customers,” she said.

The shop has a fan-like following, and customers are treated like family once they walk in. Wallace, Strickland and the rest of the Modern’s hardworking staff know the ins and outs of their customers’ lives.

Tom Lilly became a regular customer 13 years ago. He said the shop’s warm, friendly atmosphere and unique charm keep him from coming back, along with the fact that they give the best haircut in town.

“These are the friendliest, nicest people you’d ever want to meet. They’re down to earth, and they’ll tell you to your face whether you’re right or wrong. That’s the way we need to live. This (shop) is just America right here,” he said.

He didn’t bring the photograph, but Lilly’s USS Saratoga CV-60 from the 1960s is adorned on the “wall of fame” as well.

“You’ve got a picture of my ship in your shop. I think that’s wonderful,” he said.

The shop’s strong mettle was heavily tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they survived through struggles due to their loyal customers, Wallace said.

“Thank you for helping me out during COVID. Those were rough times,” she said.

During the pandemic, Wallace and her staff would make house calls to provide a much-needed trim.

Strickland was especially amazed.

“We got through it because of our customers. They cared about us,” she said.

She received checks in the mail, and one customer even donated her a bicycle when she made a home visit. He offered other items, as well. She sold the bike for $50.

“We just have a lot of wonderful customers,” Strickland said.

Wallace, Strickland, and Lilly all agree Modern Barber and Style Shop (www.bestprosintown.com/fl/middleburg/orange-park-barber-shop-/) is a true “hometown barber shop.”

“I’m so glad I found this barber shop, for real. I don’t know if there are any other ones. They may be around, but this is ‘it,’” he said.

In an ever-changing world, the shop remains a landmark of yesteryear – and a symbolic staple of the community.