Businesses often come and go. Especially small businesses. Bad                                economies, shopping                                trends, overhead, and                                competition often                                   shatter the "American                                Dream."

In Hurricane, there is a                              longtime family-owned                                 and operated barber                                   shop that is entering                                     its fifth decade. In                                   fact, it's capitalized on the trends of hair styles, while pleasing customers and handing down its craft from one generation to another.

So, as Bob's Barber Shop enters its fifth decade of service, this is a good time to look back on the small business that has a strong, loyal, following of customers.

Bob Arnold began barbering in Hurricane back in 1968 for Ray Hager at Ray's Barber Shop on Conner Street-across from Forrest Burdette United Methodist Church. Sometime later, Bob purchased the tiny shop and the business from Ray and renamed it Bob's Barber Shop. Soon he moved his shop across town to Midland Trail, where Sherrie's and attorney David Hill now have their businesses.

Mary, Bob's wife, graduated from Huntington Barber College in 1975 and joined the family business.

In 1978, Bob celebrated his 10th Anniversary by purchasing land on Putnam Avenue and built the present shop.

In 1984, Mary retired, and a short-time later, Bob welcomed Don Lorrison to his staff, followed by "Al" Arnold, Bob's son, in 1986. Like his mother, "Al" also learned his craft at Huntington Barbor College. When he isn't playing his Fender Guitar with his band, Al still cuts hair at the shop that bears his father's name, and manages the shop.

Jill Lovejoy joined the staff at Bob's, and, like Don, is welcomed like part of the family. "They have been a great asset to our business," says Al.

Another generation is on its way to Bob's Barber Shop. Al's son, Nathan, is a sophomore at Hurricane High School. After he graduates, he plans to join the family business.

And, of course, Bob Arnold is still part of the staff, cutting hair more than 40 years after he started his career.

Through the years, Al says he's met and worked with some great people. "The customers make this a great place. People are so friendly, love to share their stories, and we've watched little kids grow up and bring their own children."

While the art of barbering hasn't changed in decades, Bob's has a flat-screen TV for clients to watch while they get their hair cut.

Prices are competitive. A man's hair cut is only $9

You'll find Bob's in the two-story red brick building near the corner of Lynn and Putnam Avenues, just across Route 34 from Wing's World.

Shop hours are:

Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday: 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The telephone number is is 304-562-5707.