James Rada, Jr.

No sooner had one barber shop moved from the storefront at 7 Water Street in Thurmont when another shop opened. Thurmont Family Barbershop opened its doors on September 9, 2019, and residents might have noticed the familiar face holding the scissors.

Jim McNey, a long-time Emmitsburg barber, is running the shop for Jamie Andrew, the former owner of Emmitsburg Family Barber. Two part-time barbers will assist him on the busy days.

McNey has been a barber since 1966 and owned his own barber shop in Laurel for 12 years. He is known locally from the time he worked in the Emmitsburg Family Barber Shop.

“I like this work,” he said. “I like to create and talk to people, and this job lets me do that.”

Business is already starting to pick up for the shop, with some of his former Emmitsburg customers coming to Thurmont to have McNey do their hair. McNey also has plans for the shop. He will soon be adding a new floor and barber station. He is also considering adding additional services beyond the typical haircuts and shaves.

“I’ve had some talks with people who could bring new things here,” he said.

For now, customers can get a great haircut and enjoy looking at the antique barber chair from the 1800s McNey keeps in the shop.

The store is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You can call the shop at 240-288-9323.

Pictured from left are: Thurmont CAO Jim Humerick; Sabrina Massett;Thurmont Commissioners Wayne Hooper and Wes Hamrick; Mayor John Kinnaird; Owner/master barber Jamie Andrew; Barber Jim McNey; and Barber Dawn Roberts and her husband, Gary Roberts, with their two grandchildren, Benjamin and Emily.