Chapters 1 and 2 Summary

Port William, so tiny it has no written history, is the site of Jayber Crowe's barbershop for thirty-two years. He started it in a depression year, and he is devoted to his customers, who are thrifty and not wealthy. Jayber keeps his own hours and, when he is not barbering, he is visiting neighbors, walking in in the country or fishing. He tells of Grover Gibbs attaching a plunger to the bald head of a car mechanic while he was under a car, as well other amusing stories of people and activities in the little town. The inward life of the local school fascinates Jayber, as well as the noise when the children are dismissed. He recalls seeing Mattie Keith for the first time as she walked home, and being moved by her eyes.

In chapter two, Jayber, once known as...