Doctor HP Flowers

Clipper Shock

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     I don't remember if I cried during my first visit to the barber like some little boys did traumatized by the buzzing clippers, the evil-looking razor strop and near misses with the scissors.  But I do remember being mightily pissed that I had little to say about the style.  There were three choices:  short, shorter, and scalped - each with a latent bowl cut.  Twice a month without fail at 25 cents a pop.  I was fascinated by grownups arguing issues of the day.  Always teased by Mister Messick about the same girlfriend.  Always entertained by Mister Sophie's pulsing, heaving, honking laugher.  Like a clap of thunder.

    

© r0825-06  Son of Docs Barber Shop
  Webster Springs, West Virginia
  Webster County
  Sunday 4 June 1995

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Picture of a Picture

     Carl's Barber Shop is one of my most memorable discoveries, down a narrow alley and around behind the buildings on main street -startling and drenched with authenticity.  I still remember that moment and my wide-eyed amazement.  This photo was later published as a part of my photo essay on barber shops in Blue Ridge Country magazine.  Now, 'the rest of the story…'
     One of his customers, a retired army officer, saw the essay and wrote wondering how he might get a copy for Carl.  Immensely flattered I made and sent one right away.  Thereinafter it was my mission to re-visit Franklin often and pay homage in front of the right hand window watching my photo fade from year to year in the direct sunlight.  Carl's has since closed.  I never met him.

    

© r0601-19  Carl's Barber Shop
  Franklin, West Virginia
  Pendleton County
  Wednesday 2 June 1993

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Introducing the Barber Shop Series

 I still remember a floating chair with a chrome pump handle for revolving and levitations. And huge glass cabinets crammed with exotic bottles and colorful concoctions.

 "You want it short or close today?"
 Scissors fly, razors scrape,
  Lotions, potions and lather.
 Elixirs tease, shampoos foam,
 Brews, balms and vapors.

 I still remember gumball machines and racks of ancient magazines thumbed beyond recognition. A rainbow of fragrances, intoxicating aromas, emulsions, alcohols, and ointments. Brooms for clippings, and soft whisking brushes. Continuity.

"You want it close or short today?"
 Old stories retold,
 Spritzes, splashes, and sprinkles.
 High school football,
 News, chatter and gossip.

 I still remember the towntalk and common concerns that cement essential bonds of community. Grooming lessons from the local salon. But I remember most, with a newborn's sense of smell, that everyday matters matter.

"Next!"

Title: © Rexrode's Barber Shop . r0612-20
Series: Barber Shops
Location: Elkins, West Virginia
  Randolph County
Date: Saturday 5 June 1993

 (Taken from my photo essay on barber shops published in Blue Ridge Country magazine August 1995.)