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A Good Old-Fashioned Haircut
I haven't been to a barber shop in several years. I sure do miss them. My favorite barber shop was my last one. It was called The Barber Shop and it was operated by Al Billups. Some of Plattsburgh's finest got their hairs trimmed by Al, one of the North Country's biggest Boston Red Sox fans.
You could always count on several things when you entered his shop. Odds were that you would know the guy in the barber's chair. He rendered haircuts to attorneys and teachers and college guys. To car salesmen and police officers and mechanics. Often while I was in his chair the phone would ring with somebody scheduling an appointment for the next day or later in the week.
You could also count on the latest issue of Sports Illustrated or The Sporting News. While waiting a few minutes for your turn, you could read part of a story on one of your favorite athletes.
Then when you got into his chair, you could count on good baseball conversation while Al cut your hair. Al and I loved to talk about the Red Sox, analyze what they needed to improve and what trades they might make. We also loved to talk about minor league baseball, which both Al and I loved.
As a kid, I remember my Mom or Dad bringing me to a few different barbers, but often Mom would just cut our hair. She even bought those barber's clippers so she could cut our hair into the popular flattop that Coach John Flynn encouraged us to have.
As a teenager I remember going to George's Barber Shop on Oak Street. It was in the same building which now houses the C.J. Madonna Law Firm. I think the barber's name was George Bezio. He would cut your hair and throw in a head massage for free. He would squeeze your scalp and send chills from your neck to your toes. Once I dozed off while he was rubbing my head.
But it's Al Billups who I will forever remember as my last barber. When he got sick and had to close his business a few years back, I was lost. I wasn't sure what barber should be trusted with my balding scalp. One day at school I asked my friend Mal Cutaiar where he got his hair cut. Mal's hair always looks neat. Mine never does.
Mal told me about Kim at Ultrawave. I just couldn't picture myself going into a business called Ultrawave. I mean, with my bald scalp the only waving going on is waving goodbye to my hair. I just couldn't picture myself with an ultrawave.
Plus, I know who goes to Ultrawave. Women! You would never catch a woman inside The Barber Shop. I think there's probably a city ordinance about that. The old-fashioned barber shop was a man's safe haven. A place where a man could mingle without a woman watching our every move.
Finally, I broke down and went to Ultrawave. On this particular day, there were six hair stylists, five female customers and Foxy Gagnon. I waited my turn while I searched the pile of magazines for something to my liking. Better Homes and Garden, Modern Hairstyles, Women's Day. I searched the bottom of the pile, hoping to find even a year-old Sports Illustrated.
Kim knew I was a little nervous and she tried to make me feel right at home, but I already had sweaty armpits. She escorted me to a chair, I sat down and when she said, "Lean back" the back of the chair dropped and I was in a prone position with a hose spraying my head.
Al Billups never did this! I knew that I was in over my bald head! Following a warm shampoo (okay, in the long run, it did feel pretty good!), Kim escorted me to a little room where she had her chair. I sat down and she went to work. We didn't talk about the Red Sox. We didn't talk about baseball at all. I think mostly we talked about my tv business and my teaching career.
I kept hoping she wouldn't try to make an ultrawave out of my sparse hairs. By the end, I was a little more comfortable. But I still paid quickly and exited in a rush, claiming I had a videotaping job to get to.
As good as Kim was at cutting my hair, I became friends with another hairstylist, Nina, who was working at a place called Rapture. You'll never catch Foxy Gagnon in a place called Rapture. Do you know what that means? It means "ecstatic joy" or "joyful ectasy." Whoa! What goes on there?
Nevertheless, I ventured in one day to have Nina work her expertise on my sorry locks. This building used to house a man's barber shop, Golden's Barber Shop, I do believe. But all I saw this day were women. I suppose if a guy were looking for a partner, hanging around a beauty salon might be helpful.
There just doesn't seem much these days that resemble the good old-fashioned barber shop. There was a day when there was a barber shop in every neighborhood, but not anymore. Where can I go to hang out with guys and read a good sports magazine while I wait for a haircut?
I sure do miss Al Billups.
Comments
My Great Great Grandfather was Francis laBombard from Plattsburg circa 1850. His son Henry A Labombard joined the Union Army New York 96th Infantry where the last name changed to Bambard. After the Civil War, Henry moved his family to Bay City Michigan.
I am looking for any labombard family history and geneology links.
Posted by: Nowland (Skip) Bambard | April 25, 2008 1:25 PM
As a young foxhiller growing up on Waterhouse Street, I looked forward to getting my brushcut every three or four weeks. I was a loyal patron of Francis Labombard who had his shop located on So. Catherine Street next to where Bobby's Lounge is located now. The reason why I looked forward to those haircuts was because I was always given an extra nickel or dime to stop by the Donut shop across the street near the Altamont. I usually got one or two glazed donuts which was so large I could barely hold it with one hand.
Usually took me five minutes to eat it and another five to lick that sticky glaze from my fingers. Oh, and the Radio buns weren't too shabby either. Too Many donuts, I guess, hence the nickname, SPEEDY. Got that name from my little league coach who was less than impressed with my blazing speed on the base paths.
Posted by: speedy | January 16, 2008 2:22 PM
Julien cut my hair on Clinton St. My Dad instructed Julie to give all his boys a crew cut no matter what they asked for & he delivered. I tried Golden's, Al Billups, Jimmy Defayette up @ Grandway Plaza, O'Brien's on Clinton St @ Marion, Ron Langlois and George Bezio just so I could have a little left on my head. George's scalp massage scared me away. Years later and half way around the world I could get a haircut, shampoo, manicure and head & shoulder's massage for 25 cents - and I appreciated it. When I came back to Plattsburgh to get married in my dress white uniform I went to where O'Brien's had been and Ricky Parry's sister cut my hair - sorry, I can't remember her name. We talked about the Marine Corps & she said her brother (Russ) had been a Marine - I looked at her license & saw Parry and said 'are you Ricky's sister'? She almost fainted because Ricky had been killed a decade earlier in a car accident along with Dale Smith. Ricky was my friend for many years & I still miss him. Now Molly cuts my hair down here in Virginia. Molly is from Iran but she was a supporter of the Shah so cannot go home like other friends of mine from Iran - such as my dentist Bahram. They are good people, the salt of the earth. Well, let's leave politics for another day. A tribute to Al Billups, who influenced many, many boys in Plattsburgh - whether he coached them or not.
Posted by: Miney Rowlson | January 14, 2008 8:55 AM
Al Billups cut my hair many times and the sports conversations between us made it special. Al was a pretty good ballplayer and as others stated a good coach. Al would often get on me after listening to one of my Golden Gloves fights. He would joke about the fear he would lose a customer. I would get him back and say I know I'm not handsome Al ! I been hit hundreds of times in the face, what's your excuse ! We would both smile and he would hit me lightly on the chin. Al always made everybody feel good and look better! Al Billups was a fine man. Lenny Smallacombe
Posted by: Lenny Smallacombe | January 14, 2008 8:31 AM
JUST A LITTLE NOTE. I WAS WITH BRUCE AND SKIP AT A SPORTBAR WATCHING THE GAME. THE GUYS ARE LIKE THE KING OF THE WORLD THAT THE GIANTS WON. THAT WAS THEIR SUPERBOWL.
Posted by: WICK CADIEUX | January 14, 2008 7:13 AM
Foxy, only you could bring back endless memories by simply mentioning a haircut. As I sit here watching my Cowboys keep the lead (currently 17-14)... I remember my earliest haircuts growing up in Malone being done at Paul's Barbershop...ran by a great guy and we were friends with the entire family. Unfortunately, Paul passed away just a couple months ago. I then began getting my hair cut by Fred Brixous.. later the mayor of Malone and more importantly the husband of my all time favorite bus driver, Theresa... a saint, mainly because she put up with me for many years. Later in life my haircuts were done in Plattsburgh.. and like a couple other folks, I got my hair cut at Joe's...by Joe himself. I still get a kick out of seeing his shop still up and running. I remember the hot shaving cream on the back of my neck when he shaved it. Joe had quite an accent, I could listen to him talk on and on for quite awhile. He could also give a great cut.. and if you ask anyone who knows me... to say I'm a little obsessed with my hair would be an understatement. Then on 1 Sept 1978 I got my first real haircut... the barber asked me how I wanted it... I told him.. and he must have misunderstood me, because he immediately started to shave my head..and said "Welcome to the United States Air Force"...man, even in TX my head was cold. For the next 27 years I kept it off the ears and with a slight taper.. as the Air Force required.. but I never ever got a haircut on base ($%^&* now it's 21-17 Giants)...anyways, they always scared me. I did get my head shaved one other time in my career...lost a bet with some of my troops and off it came. :) In my final years on active duty and into my retirement years, I too sneak into the "parlors" to get my trim.. now I tell them to ensure it looks good, but not like I just got a haircut. I used to try to be funny and ask them to ensure they cut out all the gray...but not too long ago my favorite gal said "if I did that you'd be bald"... no more jokes about that. But like I always say..it can turn gray..just don't turn loose!
(Foxy's note: Sorry, Chief ... game is now over. Giants 21, Cowboys 17. When two teams are pretty equal it's pretty tough to beat them three times in one season.)
Posted by: Chief | January 13, 2008 7:11 PM
Both my boys had terrible cowlicks and the only barber who could give them a good haircut was Ron Langlois. My boys went to him from the time they started school until they graduated - we just followed him from place to place.
June
Posted by: June Seymour | January 12, 2008 7:16 PM
Speaking of barbershops, I find myself visiting the Plaza Barber Shop on business these days. I don't know much about barber shops or men's haircuts but I like the looks of this place. They have big barber chairs in there just like the ones I used to see on Andy Griffith, it even has a razor strap hanging from it. (gulp) I see they have a lot of reading material in there along with quite an assortment of clientele that appear pleased with the results.
BTW, have you managed to keep the ponytail or did some stylist talk you into a trim???
(Foxy's note: Something about "split ends" and needing a trim, so my ponytail never seems to get longer, but it still survives! And your mention of the Andy Griffith Show reminds of the greatest television barber of all-time, Floyd Lawson!)
Posted by: glassbit | January 12, 2008 4:17 PM
Carver mentioned the Witheral Hotel. I was the oldest of 6 kids (4 brothers). The memories of 4 young boys getting haircuts with Mr. Billups and Ron Langlois there! What a production with 4 young boys at a barber shop. Two of us would get finished and be bored so we would go into the Men's Room and climb under the bathroom stalls! The next two were the youngest, scared, and crying!
Talk about barbers and patience! Great people in the North Country!
Posted by: The Donald | January 12, 2008 3:30 PM
Foxy, I, too, remember going to Louie Massella and Lee Poissant on Margaret St. Many times I would have to awaken Louie from one of his naps.
Later it was Langlais on Clinton St with Ron and some others whose names escape me. My final barber shop was the Plaza Barber Shop with Jim, Frank, Leland, and Wayne. Great guys all.
Since 1988 I've been cutting my own hair. I didn't see the fiscal sense of paying $7.00 for a brushcut when I could do it myself. That $7.00 could be (and was), better spent on many a Miller High Life.
One problem with cutting my own hair. I don't tip myself very well so I often have some uneven cuts around my ears and back of my head.That's to teach myself a lesson for being so cheap.
Many people have commented on that from seeing the back of my head at Common Council meetings. Others have said they prefer seeing the back of my head over the front of my face.
Craig Mathews
Posted by: Craig Mathews | January 12, 2008 2:16 PM
Choices, choices, decisions, decisions Damn!!!! Once in awhile i would like the rastafarian look and have my tresses made up into dredlocks like Bob Marley. Another time it would be cornrows ala T.O. and yet another time perhaps a Mohawk.
I have considered a pony tail like Foxy Gagnon and Willie Nelson.
Decisions and choices!!!!! I don't want to make too many decisions any more. So, my last decision concerning my hirsute dilemma was the Telly Savalas look. Who loves ya, baby?
(Foxy's note: I think that Carolinas heat is getting to you, Skipper!)
Posted by: skip zatonski | January 12, 2008 2:16 PM
When I returned to Plattsburgh I was happy to see that The Plaza Barber Shop in the Plattsburgh Plaza was still open. They have good reading material, good atmosphere, and do a great flat top. I used to have hair all the way down to the middle of my back. I lost a bet and the hair at that Barber shop. It was the first buzz cut I had had since I was eight. You should have seen the grin on that Barber's face.
Posted by: LaPoint | January 12, 2008 12:21 PM
Haircuts? The blog has turned to haircuts? I'm glad you sprinkled in a little sports by mentioning Sports Illustrated and the Sporting News.
In all the years of growing up in Plattsburgh, I only got my haircut in two places... Joe's Barbershop, the one in the Skyway Plaza that UPS Dave made reference to. My dad, Big Al, who came to Plattsburgh courteous the United States Air Force, was one of many Air Force personnel who received their haircuts from Joe on a weekly basis. I experienced my first haircut there, although I don't remember it that well. I went there for years until I became best friends with David Langlois and learned "that his dad was the best barber in Plattsburgh." Langlois Tonsorial Parlor was the "hip" place to get a haircut in downtown. You could go there and see local businessmen and politicians. Mr. Langlois was always good for the dumbest jokes that made you laugh hysterically. He would tell stories about David, Laurie, Cathy, and Beth, his beautiful family.
Now it's the unisex salon in the mall that services my scalp. Never the same girl twice; never a wait; never a SI or Sporting News; never even a story. A haircut has relinquished itself to a necessary quick chore. Not the social meeting of the wise, political, community-minded men of years past.
What the heck was that blue stuff they put the combs in? And I won't tell you how long it has been since I used a comb!
High and tight,
Kern
Posted by: Kern | January 12, 2008 9:41 AM
Ah, the old days. Ron Ewing’s shop still stands at Trinity Park, but he’s not there very often. There was Golden’s on Lafayette and Louis Masella had a shop where Carbur’s put in a dining room. Louis always gave me a Chiclets if I was a good boy. He had the Mayo brothers and Lee Poissant working for him and they had a window full of comic books that you could never get through. He also had a 'special room' in the back of the shop where he took the ladies for their cuts.
Ron Langlois, before he went into business with Crystal on the corner of Protection and Clinton Streets, worked at the Witherall with Al Billups in the real days of hotel barbershops. He eventually became a tonsorial parlor, the precursor of uni-sex beauty shops.
I also went to George Barber’s once (affectionately called butcher Bezio thereafter) as the one-bowl fits all hair cut forced me into wearing a hat for two weeks out of embarrassment. I think they made a movie about him called the Barber of Seville or Sweeney Todd! I know I never dared go back.
I never had a shave in a barbershop, but saw several men having them. The hot shaving cream seemed like a real luxury. One wonders if all the baldheads we see roaming around today are a direct result of the demise of those shops of yester-year……TBI
Posted by: W | January 12, 2008 8:26 AM
Question is.... Would Al Billups have "allowed" you to have the ponytail??????
(Foxy's note: Good point, Laura! I doubt that Al ever worked on a ponytail.)
Posted by: Laura | January 12, 2008 8:11 AM
There is a barber shop in the Skyway Plaza that I used to frequent when I was stationed at the former PAFB which, while it may lack many of the modern amenities of today's salons, gave you a good haricut at a fair price. The barber would always complete the hair cut with a straight razor around the edges, which left a nice, clean look. The straight razor has gone the way of the mullet. I go to D & D in the mall, mostly for the convenience, but there are 2 stylists there whose work and conversation I enjoy (plus they are both easy on the eyes), but there is something to be said for the old barbershop, where men would sit and discuss the issues of the day; in fact, there were customers who would never even get a haircut, they were just there for the conversation. I can still recall going to the barber as a child when the styles were much simpler--crewcut in the summer, a bit longer (not much) during the school year.
Posted by: UPS Dave | January 12, 2008 7:58 AM
Boy, Foxy, you sure know how to bring us back in time!... there was nothing like going to Al Billups for a haircut... 1st when he was downstairs at the old Witheral Hotel then his place on Broad St.... as you mentioned, it was a pretty safe bet you were going to know the guy sitting in the chair and probably knew the fella waiting after you. I was always fascinated by the jar filled with blue water and combs?...and you're right, nothing but sports books!!!...can you imagine all the great local sport heroes that sat in Al's chair? What an All-Star team that would be.
I miss Al - he was a heck of a nice man, and you know, he was a hell of a great little league coach...I remember when we were young, going into Al's basement, to pick out a bat, what a collection of bats! between his collection and coach Bob Carr's collection (by the way, they both lived on Palmer St) they had more bats between them than Cahill"s! (and that's a lot of bats!) ALL WOODEN BATS, I might add!...never forget my 1st bat "Mickey Mantle " "29"....will never forget Al either, he sure did a lot for a lot of us and for Plattsburgh Little League for many, many years.
Posted by: The Carver | January 12, 2008 7:53 AM
Al Billups. What a man. He was my first ever baseball coach. What a classy man. I remember one game that we were ahead by a lot of runs. Al told us all to square around and bunt and make sure we made an out. He didn't want to run up the score on the opponents. Something modern day coaches should think about no matter what sport it is.
I used to go to Golden's on Lafayette St. Clayton and Andy were the backbone of that establishment. Crew cuts were the norm. One day I was sitting in the barber chair getting my "crew cut" when in came one of the regulars. Clayton stopped giving me a "crew cut" went over to his bag of peanuts put one in his mouth and fed the local squirrel , I don't think you will see that at Kim's Ultrawave either, Foxy.
Now I go to Hair Design by Carmine on Cogan. He still uses scissors. It doesn't get any better than that.
Posted by: Crusher | January 12, 2008 6:25 AM