Name/Title
Mayfield Barber Shop Ink BlotterEntry/Object ID
2024.5.1Description
Framed paper ink blotter. The blotter contains a drawing of a tree-lined road in the mountains. It also lists the information for the "Palmetto Barber Shop" in Columbia.Use
An ink blotter was an essential tool for both home and office use in the early 1900s. As ink from fountain pens required time to dry, an ink blotter—composed of highly absorbent paper—was used to absorb excess ink and prevent smearing. Much as many businesses today give away free koozies, matchboxes, and pens, ink blotters often featured advertising on their reverse side. Businesses distributed these blotters to promote their brand and reach a broad audience.Context
The Palmetto Barber Shop was operated by Oliver Mayfield, Sr. (1889–1961) for nearly 20 years. Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina as one of 12 children, Mayfield settled in Columbia before marrying Annie Newton (1895–1988) in 1913. City directories indicate that Mayfield worked as a barber at the Jerome Hotel Barber Shop under James M. Kirby from 1914 to 1916. Kirby, who owned a residence at 1214 Lady Street, hosted the Mayfields, another Jerome Hotel Barber Shop employee, and at least two other residents.
By 1917, the Mayfields moved out of the shared home on Lady Street, and Mayfield became the proprietor of the Palmetto Barber Shop located in the basement of the Palmetto Building at 1400 Main Street. By 1922, Mayfield’s younger brothers, Walter (1892–1958) and Leo (1897–1964), also become barbers in Columbia, potentially working alongside him. Around 1927, Mayfield opened the State Barber Shop, though by 1936 he was listed as the owner of both the Palmetto Barber Shop and the Palmetto Beauty Shop. Eventually, he rebranded his business as the Mayfield Barber Shop, seemingly establishing a small chain throughout the city. His son, Oliver Mayfield, Jr. (1918–1988), and grandson, Oliver Mayfield, III (1946–present), followed in his footsteps as barbers.
Mayfield, Sr. did not fully retire from barbering until six years before his death in 1961, though he continued to serve exclusive clientele in the late-1950s. According to his obituary and family history, he was often called "the Barber for the Governors," having served as a private barber to many of South Carolina's governors during his career.