Russell’s Barber Shop to close

    HOULTON — After 48 years on the job, one of Houlton’s few remaining barbers has retired.
    Bob Russell, who operated a shop on Bangor Street, finished his last haircut on Friday.
Pioneer Times Photo/Sarah Berthiaume
RETIREMENT — Russell’s Barber Shop on Bangor Street closed on Jan. 25 when its owner, Bob Russell, retired after 48 years in the business.
    “The time’s gone by fast,” he said. “It seems like it’s only been 20 years.”
    Russell has spent the last 35 years of his career in the small shop on Bangor Street (in the complex formerly designated as Smith’s Mini Mall and now home to Katahdin Valley Health Center). But he started in a shop on Court Street near the Salvation Army and spent a few years working from the Northland Hotel, as well.
    He started in Houlton after training at a barber school in Hartford, Conn.
    “I had tried a few different jobs, but barbering looked good to me,” he said. “So, my brother and I went to school together.”
    After graduation, Russell came right back to Houlton and has been here ever since.
    But since he started in the business in 1960, he said the field has changed considerably.
    “When I started, there were 15 barbers in town … and a hair cut was 85 cents,” he recalled. “When I started, you had to lock the door at lunch time in order to get a lunch break.”
    Back then, barbers also supplied more services — like shampoos, shaves, tonics and facials. But today, it’s a diminishing field.
     “I don’t understand why more young people don’t take up barbering,” he mused. “Barbering is something I love. I love cutting hair and talking to people. It’s hard to stop, but there comes a time for that, I guess.”
    He said he’s enjoyed being his own boss and reaping the benefits of his hard work.
    And while he might not miss the day-to-day routine, Russell says he will miss his friends and customers.
Pioneer Times Photo/Sarah Berthiaume
RETIREMENT — Bob Russell, owner of Russell’s Barber Shop on Bangor Street, finishes up a haircut for Colby Shaw last week. On Jan. 25, Russell retired after 48 years as a barber in Houlton.
    “I’ll miss the people I’ve met over the years,” he added. “Some of them I’ve had for 40 years.”
    As for retirement, Russell said he isn’t planning any immediate move south with the snow birds.
    “I’m going to stay right here and buy some this expensive fuel oil,” he remarked with a grin. “Retirement is going to take some getting used to, but my wife says she’ll keep me busy.”