Roy Lange of Roy’s Barber Shop in Chatfield, Minn., is just a shave away from celebrating 50 years as a barber.
January 2, 2017 will mark 50 years since Roy and his twin brother, Ray graduated from barber school.
“It was brother Ray’s idea,” states Roy, explaining that while both were working in Lake City, Minn., machining engine pistons for Gould, Ray said, “You and I should be looking for a cleaner line of work,” and he thought barber school would be a good fit for both of them.
The two attended barber school in the twin cities and rented a small apartment ten blocks away. The apartment was on the tenth floor and had a murphy bed that came out of the wall. “The nice thing about it was you never had to make the bed,” Roy says, laughing. The furnished apartment with all utilities included was $70 a month.
After graduating from barber school in 1967, Roy served a year-and-a-half apprenticeship in White Bear Lake, Minn., while his brother completed his apprenticeship in Redwing, Minn., before the two were ready to set out on their own.
In March of 1969, the two brothers each bought a barber shop on the same day. Ray bought his shop in Spring Valley, Minn. in the morning, paying $1,200, according to Roy. That afternoon Roy bought his shop in Chatfield for $1,500.
Roy’s original location was across the street from his current location, as he notes, “I bought out Jim Rogers, who was a well established barber, and had a shop in the front of the movie theatre,” and Roy remained in that location until the fall of 1979 when he moved to 123 Main St. S.
When asked what has been the best part of his work, Roy says it’s the public, as he enjoys talking with people and getting to know them.
“It’s been an interesting occupation,” says Roy, adding, “I got to meet a lot of wonderful people,” then laughs and states, “sure, now and then you come across an unpleasant person,” but when that happens, “you just move faster,” he chuckles.
There may be some gossip that goes on in the barber shop, but Roy says, “I keep that to myself,” saying, “what you hear here stays here,” so no worrying about conversations traveling to the local coffee shops!
“The years have gone by fast,” comments Roy, noting that not only has he had repeat customers for years and eventually customers’ children, but in some cases he is on the fourth generation of cutting hair in families.
Roy has customers that come from near and far to get their hair cut. Gary Christopherson of Eyota, Minn., has been coming to Roy’s Barber Shop for about 30 years and enjoys visiting with Roy during his cuts.
Bernie Nelson, of Byron, Minn., has been a customer of Roy’s for approximately 40 years and says he not only comes for a haircut but also for what he calls “therapy,” which he explains is not gossip, “because what we say is true,” he says with a smile.
Roy offers other services beyond haircuts, including zipper repair, small upholstery jobs like tractor seats and small truck seats, as well as clock repair.
Roy, the “senior businessman” of Chatfield, was recently named honorary grand marshal of Chatfield’s Western Days parade, where he and his wife Kathy enjoyed a ride in the parade. “Nobody has been here as long as I have,” says Roy, adding, “goes to show if you stick around long enough you get to the top of the pile,” he says in his usual lighthearted manner.
Things have certainly changed since Roy attended barber school, as he says, “The barbering occupation is a dying breed,” saying there are “very few barbers anymore” compared to when he began in the profession.
“There are only three barber schools in Minnesota – two in the cities and one in St. Cloud,” and, “they can’t even keep the schools full”, says Roy because “tuition is awful high,” making it more difficult for anyone interested in becoming a barber.
“Tuition is $10,500 for nine months of schooling” notes Roy saying “when Ray and I went it was $666,” and the barber school they attended only lasted six months.
Roy, 73, says he and his brother thought they would retire at age 80, but they may have to keep working beyond that now according to Roy, because “there is a barber out east that is 103 and still cutting hair two days a week” and if he can do it so can the Lange brothers.
However long Roy continues cutting hair, he will undoubtedly always have a full appointment book.
Roy’s Barber Shop is open Tuesday through Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 6:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. To make your appointment call (507) 867-4444.
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