In operation for well over 100 years, this business stands as a symbol of black achievement in the city of Marion. Other businesses have come and gone, but Taylor’s Barber Shop withstood the test of time.

Taylor’s got its start when twentieth-century black entrepreneur, Rev. Thomas E. Taylor of Marion, had a vision of operating a business for white patrons. Taylor approached the owner of Jenkins Hotel and negotiated a win-win opportunity for both parties.

Jenkins Hotel was located on the corner of Main and Dozier streets, where present-day Martin’s Service Center now stands. The barbershop was located and operated on the bottom floor of Jenkins Hotel. The nature of the business was to basically cut hair for white people. Taylor was able to acquire a clientele of happy and satisfied customers, and the business was a success.

With the understanding of growing his business further, Taylor accumulated enough funds to purchase a lot and build a new barbershop. The new location was across the street from the Hotel where it presently operates.

Taylor’s Barber Shop operated and maintained great business principles where customers went to receive excellent service in a pleasant atmosphere. Workers were friendly and cooperative in providing assistance and help to their customers. They were reliable, trusted, and exemplified “moral responsibility.” Taylor’s barbers had implicit faith and shared a love for all people. They had self-respect and also a high level of respect for others.

When one visited Taylor’s, there were so many things going on that made him know that he was at the barbershop. One would see the iconic red, white, and blue striped barber pole, walk on classic tile flooring, observe oak wood molding and trim work, see the primitive hat tree, witness the sharpening of straight razors on leather straps, hear the buzzing of electric clippers, the snipping of scissors, the smell of hair tonic, customers with hot towels over their faces waiting for a straight razor shave, the pumping up and letting down of the chairs, hair and talcum powder being brushed off with a small whisk broom and the beckoning call of “Nn-ee-xx-tt!!”

At the rear of the shop was a public bath with a shower, a huge bathtub, and other restrooms with toilets. The barbershop’s unique and convenient features were a special stopping place for railroad workers who traveled long distances and came home or just dropped in to get a haircut, shower and shave.

Taylor’s Barber Shop was equipped like no other shop in the area. A shoeshine stand was also available for his patrons who desired to get their shoes looking their very best for any occasion.

Since its opening, Taylor’s Barber Shop has seen many changes in owners and operators throughout the years. Following the succession line of men owner/operators, the order goes as such. It passed from Rev. Thomas E. Taylor to his son Isaiah Taylor. After the death of Isaiah Taylor, the business was in the hands of William Brunson Patterson. William and his son, Frank Brunson Patterson, became co-owner/co-operators. Later, Frank’s son, Wendall Brunson Patterson, and his cousin, Rupert Taylor, became co-owners of Taylor’s and remain the present co-owners today. Upon the death of Frank Patterson, Taylor’s was operated by Henry Coleman and Mack McClellan. Mr. Henry Coleman started his barbering with Taylor’s in 1967 and worked himself up through the ranks to an operator. He was a dedicated individual who showed up at 6:00 in the morning and worked until 7:00 in the evening. He died in 2005, and Mr. Mack McClellan became the sole operator of Taylor’s from that day until the present. Now Mr. Mack McClellan operates the business with the same work ethic to please the public. His motto is “Every client is well satisfied.”

Taylor’s Barber Shop, still in operation today, is now considered by some to be the oldest continuous barbershop in the state of South Carolina. This is truly a historic jewel of Marion, South Carolina.