Open House set for February 24th

By Richie Beeler

Businesses are vital to the welfare of any thriving community. But for folks in Corryton, one particular establishment has become nothing short of an icon. The Corryton Beauty Nook will host an open house this coming Sunday, February 24th, to commemorate 50 years of continuous service to the Corryton Community. The event will be held from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the Beauty Nook on Davis Road next to the Corryton Community Center. Customers, past and present, as well as friends from around the area are all invited to stop by for refreshments, door prizes, and to peruse through a half century of pictures and memorabilia.

The success of the Beaty Nook and what it has meant to the Corryton Community are not difficult to figure out. It all traces back to one remarkable lady. Phyllis Earl Cabbage began her career in 1957, attended Joseph School of Design and then worked three years at Smyrna Air Force Base, which afforded her a great opportunity to learn various styling techniques with military personnel from all over the world after the Korean War.

When her husband passed away, Phyllis returned home with four little girls and opened the Beauty Nook on February 28, 1963. Her dream was to establish a shop with quality service and reasonable prices, where customers could fellowship, laugh, share problems, celebrate achievements and leave with a better outlook on life. Phyllis attributes the success of the shop to loyal customers and a devoted Christian staff.

The Beauty Nook currently has four stylists working as a team. Owner Phyllis Earl Cabbage has 56 years experience, has raised four daughters, and has 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All four of her daughters chose education for their careers.

Wanda Bates has been on staff for 37 years. She has two children, Brad and Melody, and four grandchildren.

Missy Banks has been with the Beauty Nook for 21 years. She studied cosmetology in high school and became an assistant at the shop at the age of fifteen. Missy has two children, Lakin and Riley.

The newest staff member is Tracy Thompson. She has been at the Beauty Nook for seven years, and attributes her success to the influence of her grandmother Rose and her mother Susan.

Phyllis and the staff wish to express their thanks to the Corryton Community and all their customers. According to appointment books, the Beauty Nook has cut and styled 11,580 customers, give or take a few, since opening its doors fifty years ago. The shop’s first customer was Ruby Longmire. She is still a patron at age 93. The oldest customer is Pauline Julian at 103 years. The youngest – at one year old – is the great-grandson of James and Opal Thompson.

Four generations of Corryton families have helped support the Beauty Nook. Phyllis is reminded that the shop began cutting, coloring, and perming men’s hair in the 1970s. Some of these men – namely Chris Julian and Ben Holt – have never had a haircut anywhere else. Several of the male customers have lost their hair, for which Phyllis and her staff assume no responsibility!

And just a final note from Phyllis: “A special thanks to so many of our older patrons who have been our mentors, friends and faithful customers through all these years. Thanks to all. Mission accomplished! (But I’m not retiring yet)!”

A Happy 90th to a special lady

Last Sunday our family celebrated the 90th birthday of my grandmother, Agnes Clapp Beeler. She was born February 17, 1923 and still lives in the home she shared with my grandfather on Tazewell Pike. Although she is primarily shut-in and unable to attend services, I am told she is the oldest living member of Graveston Baptist Church. Happy Birthday, Mamaw!