×

Minot will miss Tom’s Barber Shop

There still are plenty of old-fashioned barbershops around, but the closing of each one is a loss to the community.

This time it is Tom’s Barber Shop in downtown Minot that will be closing its doors at the end of this month. But it’s not for a lack of customers; owner Tom Plemel is finally retiring.

We say “finally” because Plemel is in his late 80s and has been barbering for 68 years. Imagine that.

Imagine, too, the stories he’s told or heard over the years in bustling downtown. Businessmen could pop into his shop for a quick haircut and exchange the latest gossip, and there was always a lot of business associated with the railways located nearby. Tom’s was also a convenient spot for high school boys to get their all-important locks trimmed to their own satisfaction and that of their teachers.

It’s easy to envy Plemel for the front seat he had in the parade of history that past by his shop window every day. But barbering is not easy work; being on your feet most of the day, hot summer days before AC was common and hair clippings sticking to the skin. So how many of us would have really wanted to change places with Plemel, who knows.

We are more certain, though, that most people would like to see an individual take his place in the community, to provide such a valuable service to customers. Somebody to say, “Next?”

Congratulations, Tom, on your retirement. And thanks for the trims.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today