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First Customer Among Last At Smiley's Hair EmporiumBy LARRY JOSEPHThe beginning of a new year ilwass brings many changes iuch is the case on S. Shannon t where Charles Smiley, who ias operated a barber shopthere for over 30 years, retiredTuesday afternoon,A new life is in store forthe happy barber He plansto do “a little bit of traveling '* A trip to the World s Fair, a hunting lodge in New HampshireHi t u \ \ %A364STILL ENOUGH TO CUT—Guy Giffm, one of Charles Smile's first customers, was on hand Tuesday to be among the last Van Wertrrs t«» have their hair cropped by the veteran barber.(Staff photo)and a visit to relatives in Ken tucky are on his agenda,Smiley's first customer when he opened his shop on Aug8. 1933, was Guy Giffin, presi-ident of Giffin College. Mr. Gif fin was also one of Smiley’slast customers.Smiley recalled his first day in Van Wert and said he hailonlv been open a few minuteswhen Giffin walked in “I didn't want him to know he was the first one ” Smiley said. Smiley said he later told him about it and told Giffin to come back on that date each year for afree haircut “He has picked up quite a few during the pastyears,” he said.Smiley said he began barber-ing in Cincinnati in 1931 and then worked in Norwood before corning to Van Wert. He said when he started here he didn't plan to make money, “only groceries ” He said other people were making more moneyin factories but added that his work was steady and averagedout over the years.Jim Marker, one of Smiley'sformer customers, in the shop today, that when Markerto his shop he wasold. “Now, here heme.**Smiley has always been popular with the youngsters. He said he thought he had morechild customers and has hadmore “first timers” than anyshop in Van Wert.His favorite conversation top ic with customers has probablybeen sports. He always spoke of hunting, fishing or what a certain team did m Saturday’s game Now he plans to do what he has always talked aboutbegan work Smiley said first came three years is, relieving
Newspaper Details
Van Wert Times Bulletin
Van Wert, Ohio, US
Thu, Jan 02, 1964
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KY, USA 11 Nov 2020
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