Haircuts with Herb by Ed Belote Sr.

Herb Benjamin has been cutting hair in the town of North East, Maryland for more than forty-five years. His barbershop (just off the side of his tackle shop) has become a landmark, and all who visit appreciate Herb’s affable, witty personality. Getting a cut at Herb’s is like stepping back in time; almost like being in Mayberry — the friendship and laughter beckon you to come back for more. Push open that squeaky screen door — come on in and listen...

July/August 2009: The Gathering Place

Tom Wetzel

On June 20th I arrived at Herb’s shop, quickly stepping in to get out of the steady rain we’d been having all morning. Herb was chatting with two customers seated in the waiting chairs. He smiled at me and gave his usual, “You should’ve been here an hour ago … we had a full house.” But I didn’t have to worry; ten minutes later customers poured in like the rain.

One of the two fellows waiting, Tom Wetzel, agreed to chat for a few minutes. He explained that at one time he had been the grounds manager of the old Nazarene Camp just outside of North East.

“Yes, I was manager there for 17 years, from 1983 to 2000. My friend Herbert Baldwin used to help me there. It was so sad to see it sold. I understand some developers bought it for 3.8 million dollars.”

“How big was that place, Tom?” I asked.

“Oh, it was good size,” Tom replied. “Sixty acres, and it had 250 cottages, tents, and RVs on it. We used to have 1000 to 1200 folks visit with us each summer. We had a swimming hole there; all the kids would escape the services and go swimming there.”

His soft pleasant face tightened somewhat as he shared, “I dream about that sale almost every night.” When asked what kind of dreams, “Nightmares,” was the reply. We agreed that sometimes change can be tough. The somber mood lifted and laughter prevailed as customers, many of them his friends, wandered in. Take note, dear reader, this is how Herb’s can be—it’s more than just a haircut; it’s where friends meet, share stories, laugh and relax.

Herb gives Randy Leonard a good cut.

That squeaky screen door stayed busy as customers packed in; we probably had a dozen at one time. Cap’n Mike in the back room was clipping away and talking fishing with his group. Ryan Leonard and his son, Randy came in, and Herb pulled out the “board” and placed it across the chair. As if on cue, young Randy jumped up and sat on it. Herb said to me, “This boy is a good boy, Ed, even when he was just a little kid he was well-mannered and he always sat still when I gave him his cut.” And Randy needed a good cut.

“I’m going to make him a new boy,” Herb announced as he ran the electric clippers over Randy’s head. Great gobs of hair fell to the floor. As the boy climbed out of the chair, his father nudged, “What do you say, son?” Little Randy turned towards Herb and said, “Thank you.”

Tom Jackson (left) and Ryan Leonard

While Herb was finishing up Randy, Tom Jackson had come in and sat down beside Ryan. Herb baited him, announcing, “Ole Tom here has one of those Topsy-Turvy tomato plants. Do you know anyone in the world who actually bought one of those things?” The men in the shop pondered this real seriously; shaking their heads, grim-faced … no, no one had actually heard of anybody buying one. Unfazed, Tom good-naturedly smiled and proudly exclaimed, “It’s already got a little tomato on it!”

“What are you going to get … three or four bushel from it?” Herb questioned facetiously. The shop roared with laughter.

Wade Combs

By then the floodgates seemed to have opened and the little shop was hopping with activity and conversation. The hot chatter was deafening and I couldn’t pick out a singular voice over the collective din.

Wade Combs, from Texas took the next turn in Herb’s chair. He was up visiting his 96-year-old mother who is staying at Sun Bridge Home. Wade, originally from North East, reminisced with Herb about the old days. Herb had known Wade’s brother, Ray, and described him as a nice kid.

John Chambers with Cap'n Mike

Then John Chambers walked in and went straight back to Cap’n Mike’s chair. Mr. Chambers is a tall friendly man who works for Herr’s Potato Chips in Nottingham, Pa. He’s in corporate sales and has been with the company for 28 years, and believe me this man loves his job and company. He outlined in great detail how well he has been treated by the Herrs. I learned he has five daughters and one grandson. Later his charming wife, Cindy, stopped by and we shared a friendly chat. One of the most satisfying parts of my job is getting to meet people like the Chambers.

Tommy Blades

Someone once asked me, “Is it really like that in Herb’s, or do you make the whole thing up?” I responded to him, “How do you make up stuff like this?”

All visits to Herb’s, for me, are fun, but some visits, when you get that magical mix of characters, turn out to be so enjoyable, that people do not want to leave. Ask Herb yourself … this is why he’ll never retire.
—CSM