Pasquale "Pat" Carannante, former owner of Pat's Pizza (left) and Jack Pasola, owner of Pasola's Barber Shop and a former Point Pleasant Beach mayor.
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Photos
Before my eyes was the man who always cut my hair, ready to chop away again, and give me the news about town that no newspaper ever could.
Jack Pasola was still clipping away Wednesday morning, after decades of doing this, even if many of his customers are all gray now, including me.
Or they just have a few strands left that Pasola, a former Point Beach mayor, nips off with the ends of his scissors and does the best he can to comb over their scalps.
He'll spend the time he would have spent chopping off clumps of somebody's thick mop - the time he used to spend when everybody had long hair in the 1970s - reminiscing about the way things used to be.
"I went to the Ocean Road School," said Pasola, who's now 68. "Then I went to the Beach high school, even though I lived in the Boro....They had the football field down by where Burger King is now."
In the chair was the man who fed me whenever my parents couldn't: Pasquale "Pat" Carannante, the locally famous owner of Pat's Pizza, who made Philly cheesesteaks better than all of Philly. When my parents went out to eat, my brother and I scooted over there on our bikes, back in the early 1980s, to get a special steak sub or a calzone.
He's been retired for about five years, even though the pizza place is still there, on Route 88 in the Boro. On Wednesday morning, he was about to head to Italy, where he came from. He talked a little about missing the business, even though, admittedly, it got to be "too much."
But he was happy, because he was where he belonged, talking to two of his biggest fans.
Pat kept up with the banter the best he could - "How's it going, Boss!" used to be one of his favorite phrases, even though he often used to mix Italian phrases with broken English.
"Yeah, yeah, I remember you," he said as he smiled at me. "I got a son about your age."
A town can change the width of its streets, the landscape of its parks and downtowns. But there's always a place that keeps time where it was when things were simpler.
That's Pasola's Barber shop, the little house-like structure on Arnold Avenue where teachers, politicans, local business people and just about anybody who is anybody in Point Pleasant Beach and Point Pleasant Boro has had their hair cut at least once, even if they prefer what they get at the beauty salons in the mall.
Chances are, they're like me: They came back.
"I remember when you came in here when you were little," Jack likes to say to me when I come by. "Your mother used to sit in the back and say, 'Cut off more. Keep going.' "
Chances are, they came back because the mall can't give them what they get here. At Pasola's, you get banter, news and friendship.
At Pasola's, you can walk in after not being there for more than a decade - as I did last year - and get treated like a long-lost relative sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner.
I used to go to Pasola's religiously - even when I went away to college, or moved to Pennsylvania and Delaware briefly when I took newspaper jobs in those places. My mother used to tease me for "driving two-and-a-half hours for a haircut."
I always came on Election Day, too. I just had to. Jack is a Republican, so he had a good handle on the national as well as the local races in an area that is strong GOP territory.
"Do you think Bush is going to do it?" I remember him asking me back on Election in 1988.
"Yeah, I think he's going to do it," I said.
"I don't see how he can't," he said. "I just don't think people can trust Dukakis."
I remember walking in there in early 1990, when Gov. Jim Florio proposed a big tax increase that he eventually rammed through the state Legislature. Later that year, you had a hard time finding a car that didn't have an "Impeach Florio" sticker slapped on the bumper.
Long before that tax revolt became big, you could sense the anger and betrayal at Pasola's. I got there the day the story broke, and got there early. If you don't go early to Pasola's, you may not get a haircut. Nowadays, Pasola's closes at 10 a.m.
"Did you look at the Ledger today?" he asked me, on that cold, winter 1990 day, before his crowded shop.
I pulled it out the Star-Ledger from the stack of newspapers that he always keeps on the chairs on the side. Yep, big tax increase.
"Can you believe this?" he said.
The customers who filled the chairs on the side were just as angry. They echoed everything Jack said. "Can you believe this?" he kept saying, and so did they.
I didn't even know about the increase before I walked in there that day. By the time I walked out, I felt like I knew everything. I knew Florio was going to lose re-election; in 1993, he did.
Back in the 1970s, I thought going to the barber was a sort of punishment. My parents wanted me to get my hair chopped to my hairline, even though so many of my friends were allowed to grow their hair down to their collar bone.
Finally, in high school, I strayed. Given my loyalty to Pasola's, I'm almost afraid to admit it now. I started going to the Barbary Coast on Bridge Avenue in Point Boro. I wanted the washing and the drying and the styling that everybody else was getting. I wanted them to trim the ends, not razor off the clumps that would bring my hair to a near-stubble.
Then, in college, during my senior year, I hit a rough patch in my life. My girlfriend left me, and I was going through a bout with eating disorders. As much as I enjoyed Rutgers, I was missing home. I was missing our house on Barton Avenue in the Boro. I was missing the beach and the Boardwalk, and being with my friends and family.
I missed sitting in the chair, with Jack chopping away at my hair, talking about the day, talking about the government and the way things used to be.
On Nov. 8, 1988, the day George H.W. Bush was elected, I did what I needed to do. I did what I waited four years to do, but should have done much sooner.
I got my hair cut.
Trish
1:37 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Nice story.
Karen Monahan
3:33 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
I enjoyed the story - it is great to live in Point Pleasant - been here for most of my life - 52 years - I miss Pat from Pat's Pizza - he would always ask - you want a bottle of wine with that? Keep on writing! Love the Patch.. : )
Jim Harris
6:41 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Just like Sheldon Cooper, I could never get my hair cut at any place but Jack's, because he has all of my hair cut records. I bring a book when I anticipate a standing room only wait, but the conversation is always so good, my bookmark rarely moves.
none of yobusiness
6:40 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Bottle of wine. How much you wanna pay? God i wish Pat would come back. I cant find a decent slice of pizza since he retired.
Kevin Koch
7:20 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Great story, great picture.. The two men in that picture are Point Pleasant icons, both of which whose business' i frequented much of my young and adult life. Although i shave my own head and dont need a barber, I still eat at Pat's regularly. It's not the same without Mr. Carrante asking me "how much i wanna pay" when it came time to square up, or "u wanna some wine with that" but the food hasn't changed much!
Dan Hennessy
5:37 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
I went to Pasola's barber shop when Bill Pasola cut my hair. Before that Jack's Father cut my hair. Bill and I graduated Ocean Rd School in 1955. Those times in "west Point Pleasant", as it was known in those early times are pretty much gone. It's a shame too, The youngsters will never know or understand what it was like growing up in "Mayberry USA". However, you could still go into Jack's today and make believe he is Floyd.
Jack won't tell you this but his Dad always forbid talking politics in the shop.
Pat's does still have the best Philly Cheese Steaks around. Sorry Mike's.
Nice story Tom.
Jim
8:16 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Enjoyed the read but George Bush was a nightmare for any freedom loving American. Romney will be the same.
Dan Hennessy
10:43 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
I went to Pasola's barber shop when Bill Pasola cut my hair. Before that Jack's father Lou cut my hair. Bill and I graduated Ocean Rd School in 1955. Those times in "west Point Pleasant", as it was known in those early times are pretty much gone. It's a shame too, The youngsters will never know or understand what it was like growing up in "Mayberry USA". However, you could still go into Jack's today and make believe he is Floyd.
Jack won't tell you this but his dad always forbid talking politics in the shop.
Pat's does still have the best Philly Cheese Steaks around. Sorry Mike's.
Nice story Tom.
Tom Davis
8:01 am on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Thank you very much, mayor....his dad used to cut my hair and say, "Feel better?"
Cathy Kelly
11:06 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
I did not live here when Jack Pasola was on council or Mayor,I believe we just missed him. I have heard from numerous people that he was "one of the best" and always had integrity and dignity....I have not met one person who has not smiled when mentioning Jacks name....It is impressing.....I also miss Pat at Pats Pizza and we still go there at least once a week.....Happy to see such a nice article on these two men...
Andy Ciesla
7:11 am on Thursday, April 12, 2012
What a great story! The Pasola family is a part of the fabric of both Point Beach and Point Boro. There is no doubt they they are fundamental element of what has made Point great! I grew up a few houses away from the shop on Pine Bluff Ave., and like so many had my hair cut by first Lou, then Bill, and Jack. I think my penchant for wanting to be part of the community and perhaps even my interest in politics was nurtured by the Pasola family. I would almost want to say that if anyone wants to criticize me for being a life long Republican.......go find Jack Pasola and blame him!
This is such a great positive story.....I would love to see the Patch run stories about the great businesses and things that have formed the culture of our great town.......all too often we focus on the bad and forget those "institutions" that make us great......If I just mentally walk down street from the barber shop here are some ideas (legends if you will) that strike me......Dr Dwulet, Mikes Subs,(first Ed, the Merlo family, and then the Cancros), speaking of the Merlos....how about the Riptide.....or maybe the Hoffman House. Don't forget Gene Bissey, Post Lumber, Makin Concrete, Clark's landing......The list is much longer and the stories would be great!~
Congrats to the entire Pasola family.....and I still miss Lou and Bill.
Tom Davis
8:03 am on Thursday, April 12, 2012
I miss them, too, senator. Thanks very much...and I agree! Dr. Dwulet was my doctor
Karen Monahan
12:21 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
I think it would be a great idea to write about old businesses and families from our towns of Point Pleasant Boro & Beach - remember all to well about the Riptide, Hoffman House etc. and of course Dr. Dwulet! Don't forget Pete Skokos! : )
Dan Hennessy
9:50 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Andy, Just read your post. Wow, when you start mentioning these names it really triggers thoughts of the past in Point. It is well that we remember our heritage of the Pt Pleasant's. That heritage that made us a very respected and desireable area of New Jersey. Dr Dwulet for example. There was a time when he could be counted on to respond to a private home in the middle of the night when we called as a Doctor was needed at a First Aid call scene. He would pull up in his new caddy, trench coat, t-shirt, slacks, loafers(no socks), and black doctor bag. Could be 20 degrees and snowing and he would always come. What about Harry"skeeter" Odell, Talk about icons of Pt Pleasant. Jim and Charlie Birdsall, Doug and Glenn Clayton.
Well Senator we both know better than to start naming names, however, they are all part of our wonderful heritage that should never be forgotten.
One last thing, in our 1955 graduation picture along with Bill Pasola and myself,are Richard O'neill(police officer), Rich Morris,led the restoration of Bennett cabin, Celeste Holzapful, (Senators Sister) I shouldn't have started this but you got me thinking. Tom, I think other posters are right, we need to remember more of what and who created point Boro and Pt Beach. Heritage is our foundation.Keep it up Tom.
Cathy Kelly
10:22 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
While I have only lived here for 10 years and have visited often for 10 years before that,I know many people born and raised here,I love to here about the history and the people that made this town what it is....As I said,about Mr.Pasola,I have heard that the Pasola Family are an icon in the Beach and He and his wife have done many amazing things for the residents,children etc..I have met all of them and I believe that they live up to their reputation,,,..I don't think people focus on the bad,I think because people realize how great this town once was that they don't want to see that disappear..Things have changed alot in the last 20-30 years and by remembering how great PPB was should motivate everyone to want to keep it that way....I know that I have personally seen the changes in the last 10 years alone and also know that people have the best of intentions but if something is not done,the Point Beach as we know it will cease to exist...
clamdigger
11:50 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Does anyone know what Cathy Kelly is talking about saying "Point Beach will cease to exist" ? What does what she says have to do with this great story down memory lane ?
Been here forever
5:13 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Cathy Kelley-------certainly the world has and always will change-----but the notion that "we must do something" to prevent bad things from happening in the future is an excuse for arrogant politicans to attempt solutions whose consquences they can never fully understand. PPB evolved into the wonderful place it was and is----not because of what politicans did, but despite what politicans did---as Thomnas Paine wrote "Those that govern less, govern best." This philoshy is what made Jack's time on council such a hufe success-----today's group just doesn't have the patience to let the solutions evolve---they arrogantly think they know better-----sure way to ruin the town
Carl Wilton
9:02 am on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Great article!
Mary Beth Schroeder
12:42 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
I remember my Grandmother would take me to get a hair cut at about 4 years old from Lou. Jack and Bill were there too, altough I was too young to really understand. My Dad, George, is one of those old guys who gets his full head of hair cut by Jack. Yes, this is indeed an institution and I was pleased to see that he was inducted in the Hall of Fame.
Judy Davis
1:23 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
To "dignity and integrity" may I add hard-working and fun-loving? A wonderful family.
clamdigger
11:34 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Tom,
Great story ! When you folks are mentioning landmarks don't forget Skokos, Hoffman's donuts, the salt water pool on the boards, the beach train, Neilly's long bar, Beacon Beach, Woolworth's 5 &10, Everybody's general store (with the penny candy), and the Arnold Theater. Wow those were the days !! I really miss the landmarks of when I grew up here. Keep the stories coming Tom.
Cathy Kelly
12:05 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
clamdigger,you could have just asked me but anyway,I was referring to Mr.Ciesla's comment about people focusing on the bad...This article is on Jack Pasola and Pat Carannante so I will not get into it.....If I am posting on an article and you have a question about what I am saying,feel free to ask me...
Darlene Motto
11:59 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Great Story and memories.... My parents took myself and siblings to the Point Pleasant Boardwalk 59 years ago. A lot of good times. Of coarse things have changed as everything else in the world has. That is why they call them memories. I remember the salt water pool, wasn't it where the parking lot is now? I might be confused. I definitely remember the beach train because my mother was disappointed when it was taken down. I also remember my Uncle trying to win me a doll. I think he spent $50.00 dollars which was a lot of money back then. The games were a quarter. I do not remember anything about the town or highway. Because we all wanted to go and stay at the Boardwalk only.
Darlene Motto
12:02 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
It was 59 years ago all the way up to 90's until I starting taking them from the 90's until they passed. Great Memories for sure.
George Spadaro
8:11 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
enjoyed reading the article about the Pasola family. I remeber them when they moved here from Trenton and Bill was a classmate at St. Peter's (55) --remember those 'Squan Thanksgiving football rivalries with the HS Band marching to Clayton Field down 35? Here are a few more spots to remember Sunrise Diner, a 12 seater on the curve where OB is now, how about Blanco's Pool Hall right next door to Jack's shop? The Sweet Shoppe where we first heard Elvis and Johnny Cash et al on the juke box in every booth! How about watching Whitey Ford the Hall of Fame pitcher for the NY Yankees pitch for Ft. Monmouth at Clayton field which was their "home field", How about Lynch's Soda and the factory on Bay Ave next to the Ship Chandler's. Who remembers the Beach Hospital (now a law office)located on 35 S across from Dian Turton's Office which used to be the phone company where you picked up your home phone and an operator would say "number please" and you would give her a 3 digit number to call your friend---what memories! Keep up the good work Patch....enjoy it all from sunny Ft. Myers, FL these days.
George Spadaro
Dan Hennessy
9:25 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
Holy Cow! George, to quote the scooter. You have recalled some some great memories of our heritage and youth.
We must mention the Merry Go Round at the foot of Arnold Ave on the boardwalk.
How about the Sugar bowl near the high school, run by George and Harriet Norris. The Candy Kitchen on Arnold Ave, Johnson's Pharmacy across the street, were many of us ate lunch during high school days. I know the Arnold theatre was mentioned, many of us like myself experienced our first real date at the Arnold.(7th grade) Who can forget the Lorraine too in Bay Head. Never sit in the first three rows at high tide. I had mentioned a few names earlier and should have mentioned others, I knew that would happen. Roy Basso, George Makin, Arnold Lane, Bill Borden, Arch Johnson(sons, Joe and Dave), Marino Palisi, Art Whitcomb, good grief, soooo many are coming to mind. Can't leave out Dave Oxenford, Ethel Osmun, Chris Petersen, Robert Fall, Art Leask, "unk" Elkington some our teachers.
More landwark's, Peg's drive in on 35, the Evergreen(Became the Bonfire) on Broadway.
Try to picture Beaverdam Rd and Bridge Ave intersection with JUST Hood's Market, Bridge Esso, and Wood reality. NOTHING else but pine trees and blueberry bush's
Last story about Dr Dwulet's near Jack's barber shop. Eddie Connors and myself, working for Bruce Searing the contractor put a new roof on his house. I was 17 and the building was three stories up. Could see the Ocean. Those were truly "Happy Days"!
darrell
1:11 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012
There is a book written about Point Pleasant and the early days. It has stories and pictures of some of the older businesses. The General Store at Historic Allaire Village sells it. They also have books on other towns. Very interesting. Good reading.
Nino Borrelli
10:47 pm on Friday, April 13, 2012
Great article! Enjoyed reading it. I'm glad to see Pasola's Barber Shop has stayed open because of the great service they provide and Mr. Pasola's loyal customers. Small businesses are the backbone of our great country and play an integral part in the history of every town. I hope to read more articles like this one in The Howell Patch.
And yes Dr. Dwulet. He was my family's doctor. Delivered my sister and later me at Point Pleasant Hospital. The guy made house calls. They don't make doctors like him anymore. He was great, one of a kind.
Pat's Pizza-Best cheesesteaks in the world! Thanks Mr. Carannante!
Growing up in Brick, I have fond memories of Pt. Boro and Pt. Beach. Had my first date at the old bowling alley that was on 88. So the area is a part of my family's life and a special place we still love to frequent. I'm sure many who visit and live there feel the same way too.
Nino Borrelli
Howell
darrell
10:51 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Since Brick had no high school we were bused to Point High. Late 50's. Met alot of nice "kids" there. One was Bill Pasola . There was a beauty school across the street and I would get my hair cut there. Dr. Stolte teamed with Dr. Dwulet and she delivered my children. I remember eating lunch at the counter of the Five and Dime store and then going next door to the other store with the wooden floors. Went to the Arnold theatre to see our movies.There wasn't any connection to the two schools and when it rained we got wet changing classes. We went to the Church on the corner to sing if you were in a choir. Then Central built their school and we had to move there for two years until BTHS was built. But the memories of PP will always be there.
Bob Cooper
11:59 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Bob Cooper
Don't forget the Round House at Arnold and Ocean, the Curt Rate at Arnold and 88 or
the Blue Dot
Bob Cooper
1:29 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Bob Cooper
And Pasola's first Barber Shop was on the corner of Arnold and Trenton. Lou
moved into a Shop once owned by my Uncle Clarence who was forced to retire
because of a disability.
Aldo J Sibi
2:14 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Boy this brings back some memories! Having lived in Point all of my life..Living in Waco TX now..I miss home and the way it was..My dad being a police officer in Point for many years and Our Aerial Advertising operation..I cant help but miss home a bunch... So much has changed...There are times I wish I could go back in time Dad and I frequented Pats...Best Cheese Steak in the world....I miss home I miss Dad...Jim Birdsal...Ken Clayton Chief Beecroft....Glad to see Larry Williams.As Chief he deserves it! Like my dad still flying planes..Working for L-3 in Waco..and Indus Aviation...as there Director of Production...Thanks for the memories...Aldo Sibi...Son of Albert Sibi Point Boro Police dept
Mark Bruce
8:34 pm on Saturday, October 27, 2012
George, great memories! I was born in Beach Hospital which was owned and run by Dr. ivory. His attending nurse was my aunt, Jin (Conaty) Hess. She always bragged to me that she was the very first person to ever see me.