Here’s to Coach Hardin
Andy Hardin waits for a haircut at Johnny’s Barber Shop on Fifth
Street in downtown Hollister in this undated photo. Hardin, who
died in April 1972, is the namesake for the Hollister High
Haybalers’ football stadium.
Here’s to Coach Hardin
Andy Hardin waits for a haircut at Johnny’s Barber Shop on Fifth Street in downtown Hollister in this undated photo. Hardin, who died in April 1972, is the namesake for the Hollister High Haybalers’ football stadium.
To describe Hardin as a local institution would not be doing him justice. In more than 30 years of coaching football at San Benito High School, his teams were never defeated by arch-rival Gilroy High.
After teaching and coaching at Hollister High for 35 years, Hardin retired in 1958 after rejecting an offer to coach track at San Jose State University. He served as the county veterans’ service officer, worked for a time as the city’s draftsman, and headed city recreation programs for many years. The state’s compulsory retirement law meant Hardin could not be paid after his 70th birthday, but he continued to serve as the city recreation director without pay.
He also served as a scoutmaster, and led 13 Boy Scouts to the Eagle rank. He himself earned every scouting merit badge but one – bugling.
This photo comes from the archives of Felix Solano of Hollister. Felix’s father, John, established Johnny’s Barber Shop. Originally located where Winn Insurance is today, the shop at one time offered baths as well as shaves and haircuts. The shop later moved across the street, where this photo was taken.
With four chairs, Johnny’s was Hollister’s largest tonsorial parlor, but nevertheless, lines of customers were the rule on Saturdays.
Photo courtesy of Felix Solano
