The Barber

My barber is retiring. I have been going to Craig's Barber Shop in Wheeling, IL for I don't know how long. He was an old-fashioned barber, especially in the sense that his shop was a male enclave. It's not that women weren't allowed (at least I don't think they weren't), it's just that women didn't make up any of the customer base.

A haircut from a barber is a throw-back to a different time. The hair was cut, the neck was shaved and the after-shave lotion, which smelled so uniquely "barberish" and which my wife loved, was applied, and all the while, intelligent (at least on Craig's part) banter was engaged in. In an increasingly politically correct world, where the quality of "male-ness" isn't necessarily treasured, one could go for a haircut, feel a connection to one's manly roots, and not feel bad about it. Even someone like myself, no great user of tools or mover of mountains, could go there and feel that connection.

The haircuts, and the connection, will be missed.

For those who like to read, here's an article from the Daily Herald about Craig. For those who like to view, here is a video, also from the Daily Herald.