One of the most intriguing residents of Lancaster was Hugh Banks Badgley (1886 – 1982). Hugh spent some time working as a farmer but switched professions in 1930 to become a barber. He opened up his own barbershop, Hugh’s Barber Shop, at 1025 Beech Street in Lancaster.
He quickly found success and became known as “Lancaster’s Barefoot Barber” because he tended to go barefoot. He reportedly found wearing shoes uncomfortable and opted against them. After a visit from a state inspector, he was told that his practice was “unsanitary” and that his barber license would be revoked unless he started wearing shoes to work. Badgley gave in and started wearing floppy, unlaced shoes or sandals without socks to work.
Hugh tragically died in 1982 at the age of 96 when he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike on Lancaster Boulevard.
"Gurba, Norma H. Legendary Locals of the Antelope Valley. Arcadia, 2013.
Photo courtesy of MOAH Collections"
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