Stumpff’s Barbershop, Sater Pharmacy receive facelifts, new signage

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

Facade renovations on two downtown Cassville buildings are nearing completion.

Facelifts to Stumpff’s Barbershop and Sater Pharmacy, including new signage, were funded through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ Cassville Downtown Restoration Fund.

Rachael Freeman, who works with the Fund, said the projects are taking a little longer than expected because both buildings were tackled at the same time.

The Fund’s next project is expected to be the building occupied by The Law Offices of J. Michael Riehn, with work potentially beginning next month. Freeman said that project likely will not be completed this year.

At Sater Pharmacy, restoration work has focused on returning elements of the building’s historic appearance and improving its overall condition.

The cornice that had previously been removed was replaced with a reproduction designed to match what had been there. Brickwork was renovated and painted, and two original windows are being restored.

The building also received a reproduction of an older Sater Pharmacy sign dating to the 1960s.

Stumpff’s Barbershop has seen its storefront restored, with an emphasis also on maintaining its historic character.

Exterior windows were unsealed and redone, and the facade was renovated to reveal signage from the former Haddock & Meador Hardware Store, which operated through the 1965, when owner Fred Meador sold it to his employee, John Haddock. The store was named Haddock Hardware from 1965-1968, when it was sold to Johnny O. Reid, who operated it until 1973. At that time, the store featured guns and ammunition, typical hardware items, a paint and wallpaper center, new Franklin wood stoves, dynamite, farm implements, crock ware, and housed a plumbing company and a well drilling company in the rear of the building. 

The hardware store encompassed the footprint that is now J&L Hair Fashion salon and Stumpff Barbershop. From 1974-1977, the space was Stella’s, a burger restaurant with foosball and pool tables, along with a jukebox. In 1977-1978, it was divided and built out for J&L and Stumpff’s.

As part of the Fund’s work, a new barbershop sign has now been installed.

Work also is being done to improve access to the building’s second floor by renovating the stairwell. That portion of the project is expected to be completed within the next month.

Per the Fund’s requirements, building owners are responsible for interior improvements, while the restoration fund is focused on eligible exterior improvements.

Freeman said the goal is not simply to make the buildings look newer.

“I love that it’s trying to preserve history as much as possible, while still making things more modern and welcoming to downtown, bringing that life and momentum to that area,” she said.

The restoration work also is beginning to influence how other downtown property owners view their buildings, Freeman said.

She said several people have contacted the fund seeking information about the program, and applications have been sent to prospective applicants. The fund has not yet selected another project beyond the two currently in the process and third expected to begin soon.

“It’s making other businesses think of possibilities on things that they can do with their building,” Freeman said. “And, they are starting to think, ‘Oh, if I do this on the inside, maybe I can get some help on the outside.’ So, it’s making them kind of think of how they can revive their buildings as well and partner with the fund.”