Help Mr. Bell re-open Main Street Beauty Salon

A beloved and important Beacon institution - Mr. Alvin Bell's, Main Street Beauty Salon recently suffered a fire that tragically destroyed all contents of the revered barbershop and salon.

Mr. Bell is, not only, a many-decades master of a sharp look for Beacon residents but also a well known and beloved, thirty-plus year, fixture of Main Street - called, many times the "real mayor of Beacon" and a dear friend of Pete Seegers. Mr. Bell ran the Main Street Beauty Salon with poise, grace, faith, and an attitude of love that welcomed anyone that had the privilege of entering, or even passing, his shop. 

Sadly, most of what was lost - memorabilia, and personal effects, from more than three decades of serving customers - are gone forever, but getting Alvin Bell, who at 83 years old, projects the kind of warmth and energy the world needs more of - back into a barbershop/salon of his own again, is essential to maintaining the real history of this community --- and that will require our help. Insurance will not cover the loss.

All donations will go directly to Mr. Bell -- towards the purchase of basic salon equipment... sinks, chairs, mirrors, and barbering supplies so Alvin Bell can be back where he belongs,--presiding over a barbershop-- instead of scrambling for a plan. Please consider making a donation in any amount. 

Meanwhile - if you own a vacant commercial space that might be an appropriate fit for Mr. Bell's next salon - please reach out as we try to find a short term location for his work. 

Thank you all for your attention and kindness and we look forward to your help in sustaining the culture of warmth and community closeness that has always been the special nature of Beacon. 

Update 7/12/2022 - The support for this has been outstanding. In just three days, we have nearly reached our intended goal of $6500. I'm honestly stunned. Thank you so much. Mr and Mrs Bell could not be more grateful. Mr Bell shared with me that it makes him feel like the world is a more beautiful place. I continue to tell Mr. and Mrs. Bell that this is not charity, that the community is showing clearly that it actively wants them back in business.

Just got off the phone with Mrs. Bell and asked her for a complete itemized list with estimated pricing for exactly what they will need to replace that I will make public as soon as I have it. The $6500 number was an off-the-cuff estimate from someone who knows nothing about what they do (me)- it might be somewhat low. At the time we started this campaign, I had no idea we could get anywhere near that number... but now that we see what extraordinary kindness is possible, we might increase it here - or otherwise ask private donors for help purchasing any remaining items. Please feel free to weigh in on how to handle this - we are certainly open to suggestions.

I am told that this week they may have access to the space to see what, if anything, can be salvaged - I will plan to shoot a quick video of the interior to post here-- and then leave them alone at what is likely to be an emotional time. Thank you again for your outstanding generosity.