Pitts barber Joe Sawaya cuts three generations of family's hair, still going strong
Joe lets Leo know he's doing a great job as he gets ready to put the finishing touches on the youngster's first haircut.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
Three generations of Allis family men gathered at Pitts Barber Shop last week for just such an occasion. It was high time the youngest, one-year-old Leo, got his first haircut. Accompanied by his father, David of Ypsilanti Township, his grandfather, Lyle, and his mother and siblings, Leo got his first cut courtesy of barber Joe Sawaya.
The Allis family's connection with Sawaya dates back to 1958, when Sawaya first cut Lyle Allis's hair. Sawaya opened Pitts Barber shop in 1957, and although he sold it in 1995, he still barbers there part-time.
Sawaya gave David Allis his very first haircut in 1966, and now Leo follows his older brothers Gabriel, 9, and Michael, 3, as the latest Allis boy to call Sawaya their barber.
Sawaya said if he lives long enough, he'll cut the next generation of Allis boys' hair as well.
"I like to make people look good — that's what I do. When I can't make people look good anymore, I'll stop cutting hair," Sawaya said.
Do you have neighborhood news to share? Contact Jen Eyer at jeneyer@annarbor.com.
Comments
Bill Krebaum
Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 9:12 a.m.
Kathryn, Pitt's Barber Shop is in the Lamp Post Plaza (near Trader Joe's). There's a website at www.pittsbarbershop.com
KathrynHahn
Thu, Dec 2, 2010 : 3:51 a.m.
Too bad no where in this article does it give an address or location. Never heard of it before.
cmr
Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 2:27 p.m.
I usually "buzz" my own little boys' hair, but my now seven year old would not let me touch him five years ago as a two year old. I took him to Joe and he did a great job! My son is named Joe also and after that he would not go to anyone but Joe!
pfunkyfize
Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 11:35 a.m.
I am glad this article got published when it did. Joe gave me an emergency haircut hours before my first role on ABC's Detroit 187 as a uniformed Detroit police officer back in August. The haircut was so good it landed me a recurring role and he told me to come back and tell him if his handiwork made network TV. Well it did and so thanks for the reminder to go see him and thank him for the 'lucky' timely trim... Great guy and a funny wisecracker during my visit.
Eva Johnson
Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 9:17 a.m.
I love stories like this. Thanks, Jen!
Sarah Rigg
Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 8:15 a.m.
Jen: wonderful story. And kudos to Lon Horwedel for that top photo - so sweet!
Peter
Wed, Dec 1, 2010 : 7:15 a.m.
This makes me smile