Four elderly gents are gathered in the small barber shop.
“Any lies ever told in here?” asks one, as greying locks fall around cloaked shoulders.
“Well, that’s a good question, that,” responds one of the gang. Laughter erupts.
“Hard to tell what’s true and what’s not,” the old barber chuckles.
An old cot, several chairs, microwave oven, mini fridge and sink, magazines, family photographs, a well-worn Bible and a stuffed Teddy Bear with “Harry” emblazoned across the front. All part of the background in the Bible Hill barber shop.
“I barbered some when I was in the army, up north,” Harry McNutt says as electric clippers buzz. “Just picked up the clippers and started cutting hair. They weren’t good clippers either, you know, but they got the job done.”
Just shy of 85, he is nigh on 60 years of shearing locks. One chap here today has been getting his ears lowered by Harry for about 20 years, the other for 27. Another old timer, who pops in for a trim about every three weeks, has been coming for 57 years.
After returning home from the service, Harry worked at various jobs around Truro. Then he decided to brush up on the barbering skills from his army days. Took a course. Went professional. Set up shop.
“I always had a feeling for barbering, always wanted to barber.”
Six decades later, the routine is steady. Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Shirt and tie the everyday uniform.
Some mornings, old friends are already waiting, seeking a fresh cut or eager to hear the latest yarns.
“Oh, I just try to aggravate him,” one gent teases.
Harry smiles as he snips.
“I’ve got a lot of good customers and I like keeping them.
“They’re good to me, real good customers.”
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