Main Street once boasted a barber, bar and boutique for ladies
A venerable barbershop, women’s clothier and saloon once were attractions on Main Street in Madison.
At 106 Main St., Hoyte Shelton was a familiar downtown figure for 68 years in his barbershop, complete with old-fashioned barber chair and barber pole outside. Hoyte’s father, Bob Shelton, operated the barbershop before his son took the scissors to trim and shave Madison men.
Continuing the locale’s tradition, Dana Burrows opened Studio 106, a hair and nail salon, in 1999. Burrows kept the barber pole outside for its sentimental value. In 2010, Studio 106 moved to Church Street.
Attorney Matthew J. Balch extensively renovated 106 Main St. for his practice, The Balch Firm LLC. The Balch family has Madison roots extending for generations. His parents, Elbert and Opie Balch, moved Opie Balch Realty LLC to this location. “We decided both my practice and their business would be a perfect fit in historic downtown,” Matt Balch said.
At 108 Main St., Humphrey-Hughes Drug Store – The Rexall Store operated in Madison’s early days. James Bronaugh ran a store in the early 20th century, followed by Douglas C. Broyes’ business in 1942. Possibly the best known tenant was Barbara’s Dress Shoppe, where Barbara Ann Hughes Spencer helped customers select the best in women’s apparel. Grainger Portrait Studios also occupied the site.
Today, Jacklyn Zoller at Jacklyn’sKeepsakes sells gifts, Fenton glass, novelty housewares and kitchenware, antiques, dolls and art candles.
At 110 Main St., George Washington Martin built a store in 1854 on property purchased from Huntsville land speculator James Clemens. Madison’s oldest commercial building has been a grocery store and a saloon, with a massive, carved wooden bar. The late Sara Whitworth ran her business, Whitworth Realty Company, at this address.
In 2010, Ronnie and Pat Williams opened Madison Station Antiques at 110 Main St., with store manager Sharon Dinkel. Ronnie Williams and Dinkel are siblings and descendants of the Cain family, former owners of the grocery store. Madison Station Antiques specializes in American Southern antique furniture, Early American pressed glass, American Brilliant period cut glass, Depression glass and retro pieces.
