The White Oak Barber Shop has been in the same convenient location since 1932. The shop’s first owner was Jim Blevins. After WWII, Jim was joined in the business by John Vandergriff. John, who had been a ship’s barber in the Navy, cut hair at White Oak Barber Shop until his death in 1997. At that time, Bill Presley took over the shop and served the community’s grooming needs until his retirement at the end of 2005. Although Bill is no longer the owner of the shop, he still stops in to shoot the breeze with the new owner, Merritt Potter.
Merritt Potter moved to Chattanooga from Naples, Florida, where he owned two successful hair businesses. Like Mr. Vandergriff, Merritt also began his career as a ship’s barber in the Navy. Merritt has been in the hair business all of his adult life. As both a barber and a cosmetologist, he has worked in many aspects of the business, but says it’s great to be back in a barbershop again.
Services at White Oak Barber Shop are more than just hair cutting. Clients also can get an old fashioned, hot lather shave.
If you’re from this area, chances are your father and grandfather got their hair cut at the White Oak Barber Shop. One recent customer, who admits to being 85 years young, told Merritt that he remembers getting his first hair cut at this very same shop when he was a small child.
Although the White Oak Barber Shop has been remodeled, it still has that old-time feel. Merritt believes that quality is a part of history, and -- like Jim, John and Bill before him, who serviced their customers with meticulous detail -- he is determined to give each and every customer the best haircut in town.
The White Oak Barber Shop is located at 2244 Dayton Blvd., across from Taco Bell. Just look for the barber pole, which only licensed barbers can display.
In 2006 Trey Chenkus showed up. He said this is the kind of barber shop he had been looking for, where quality comes first and everything else just happens.
In 2008 Kelly Clodfelter found her way to the barbershop. She was the perfect fit, an exceptionally good barber and she makes the White Oak Barber Shop a fun place to be.
In 2009 Jeremy Crain joined the staff. He just blows everyone away with his ability.
In 2010, who knows? Check back later, were growing to serve you.
Bill Presley 1997 (above)
Merritt Potter 2006 (above)