Many ladies in the area may remember seeing their mother get a permanent in the above manner. The combination of the chemicals and the heat made this experience an event to remember. And the odor did not go away for many weeks.

The model pictured was manufactured in 1930 and was given to the Polk County Museum by Dorothy Stephens. The picture shows three other tools used by the local beautician in days gone by plus the chair from a Green Creek shop. Tour the museum at 60 Walker St. in Columbus to see more “inventions” and artifacts from yesteryear; hours are 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday and by appointment. (photo submitted)