Downers Grove “Tonsorial” Artist in the 1880s
Born in Germany in 1850, Henry Selig immigrated to America in 1875. He married Agusta, and together they raised several children. By the late 1880s, Henry moved his family to Downers Grove, where he established a barber shop on Main Street.
The Downers Grove Reporter praised Henry’s business in 1885, writing:
“Henry Selig, the tonsorial artist [as barbers were called at the time], is doing a nice paying business and giving good satisfaction. He owns the place he occupies and is always at home, ready to attend to his customers. The 1,000 people of Downers Grove do well to support the barber.”
Around 1903, Henry relocated his shop to 5113 Main Street, expanding the space to include a ladies’ shop run by his daughters. They specialized in custom-made hats and sewing supplies. Though Henry passed away before 1900, his daughter Clara Selig continued operating the shop at this location until 1970.
