Shake Rag District: A Nostalgic Return to Its Roots
In the heart of Bowling Green, Kentucky, a longstanding neighborhood known as the Shake Rag district is undergoing a significant transformation. Deftly combining elements of the old and the new, the district provides an impressive blend of the historical essence with a modern touch. The revitalization effort in this area revolves largely around one particular local barbershop that has been a landmark for years.
Chris Page, the celebrated owner of the Shake Rag Barbershop, likens it to a “black man’s country club”. For years he and his patrons have come together, celebrated their identity, and enjoyed camaraderie in the welcoming environment of the shop. Page opens up, “We always say this is the black man’s country club. We come here and we are ourselves. Everybody’s welcome.
Revitalizing the District
The ongoing revitalization project in Shake Rag includes a riverfront park and represents an investment in preserving the rich cultural history of the area. Page is excited to be a part of the project welcoming the notion, “They’re doing a lot of revitalization with their riverfront park, and we’re going to be a part of that, because not only are we going to have a sacred barbershop, we’re going to have a sacred bar and lounge, hopefully, and prayerfully coming by the end of the year. So yeah, we’re going to be a part of this. They ain’t going to leave us out.”
Community Unity through Reconstruction
Damian Haas, the manager of The Mustang Club suggests that the community unity extends far beyond the crisp clippers of the barbershop. The reconstruction project is not only reviving old buildings but it’s also strengthening the bonds within the community.
The barbershop, along with other historic buildings in the area, served as a cultural hub for the African American community in Bowling Green, particularly along the popular Third Street.
Dale, another barber in the Shake Rag Barbershop reminisced about the cultural significance of the area, “Third Street was a popular area in the days of Bowling Green. And if any of the black culture here, this was the limelight. So I tell people, come home.”
Uniting the City through Heritage
New construction aims to unite the city while preserving and showcasing its historic heritage. The redeveloped district seeks to maintain its reputation as not only an important part of Bowling Green but also a staple of their heritage. To quote Page, “If we don’t know where we been, we ain’t going to know where we’re going.”
