Remember Cliffside

Odds & Ends

An Agreement To Do Business

In 1943, B. F. (“Pick”) Biggerstaff wanted to open up a barbershop in Avondale. After his negotiation with Cliffside Mills (who owned the town and everything in it), Hollis Owens, Secretary of the corporation, drew up the agreement shown below. If nothing else, it shows how things were done in those days. The full text is reproduced below this graphic.

Dear Sir:

This will confirm having arranged with you to operate the Haynes Mill Barber Shop and Bath Room at Avondale, N. C. on a commission basis as follows:

Under the arrangement you are to report weekly the total receipts taken in by you, together with any one or more helping you. From the total receipts of you and your helpers will then be deducted expenses

Towels which you may buy to start off with (all replacements to be furnished by you)

Supplies, hair tonic, lotions, etc.

Upkeep of equipment

Electric current

Phone rent (if you have one)

Laundry

Cost of paint (the inside of the building has just been painted but if it should become necessary to paint the inside again cost of the paint is to be included as expense; Cliffside Mills will furnish the labor to put the paint on)

Cost to keep plumbing in good condition

The Cliffside Mills is to equip the shop with three window shades to begin with and if it should become necessary for replacement or repairs, such replacement or repair will be included as expense.

After deducting expenses from your total income as mentioned above, 20% of the balance is to be paid Cliffside Mills weekly and you are to retain 80%.

If the arrangement should be discontinued and you should cease to operate the shop, 20% of all supplies, towels, hair tonics, etc., is to remain in the shop as the property of Cliffside Mills and you are to have 80% of such supplies.

This letter is written in duplicate and if the same is according to your understanding, please so indicate by signing in space provided below.

Very truly yours,
CLIFFSIDE MILLS

(signed) H. M. Owens
Secretary

The above is to my understanding and is satisfactory and accepted.

(signed) B. F. Biggerstaff

Letter provided by Buzz Biggerstaff.

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