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Back in the day, there were about 21 gas stations in the Three Rivers area. Self-service didn’t exist, and you would get your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and have your tire pressure checked. It also wasn’t uncommon to tell the station attendant to put in a buck’s worth of gasoline. The latter is very difficult to do these days.
There were also between five or ten barbershops in town. Hair Stylists for men were unheard of, because the guys all went to barbershops. There aren’t a lot of real barbers left, and on Saturday, September 10, there will be one fewer. Bill Springer will finally hang up his apron and unplug his hair clippers. Fifty years of standing on his feet and cutting hair is long enough. It’s time to sit back and devote more time to cheering on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and maybe try to get back on the golf course.
Bill has been at his current location for forty years and seven months. There is no way of knowing how many haircuts he’s done, but if he did ten haircuts a day, six days a week, that’s a pile of hair to sweep up. I’m certain that he did more than ten haircuts a day.
Bill is proud of the fact that he served on the State Barbers Examiners Board for seven years. He was appointed to the board by Governor Engler. He is also proud of the fact that his grandson graduated from the University of Notre Dame, and that he and his wife, Dolores, just celebrated 57 years of marriage.
I’ve observed Bill, and he seems to be in pretty good condition physically. I’m sure he attributes that to riding his bicycle a lot of the time and never using a golf cart when playing the links.
I’ve had my hair cut at a beauty salon before. It was a good experience, but I prefer going to a barber. It’s fun hanging out with the guys and solving some of the world’s problems. Three Rivers is going to miss seeing the light on at Bill Springer’s barbershop, but we’ll get over that, knowing that Bill is cheering on his boys from South Bend, or enjoying a quiet evening with Dolores. If you have a minute or two over the next week, stop by and wish Bill the best. He deserves it.
The Sons of the American Legion Post 170 will host an all-you-can-eat perch fish fry tomorrow, Wednesday, August 31, from 4-8 P.M. The menu includes fish, fries, coleslaw, and roll for $8. A four-piece chicken strip basket will also be available for $7. Post 170 is located on South Main Street in Three Rivers, at the intersection of South Main Street and M-86. The public is welcome.
The Fabius-Park Fire Department, 1400 West Broadway, Three Rivers, will host an American Red Cross blood drive this Friday, September 2, from noon until 5:45 P.M., at their fire station. In order to donate blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be over 17 years of age and be in good health.
HarmonyFest starts at 1 P.M. next Sunday, September 4, in historic downtown Three Rivers. In addition to the fantastic food and music, VFW Post 3019 will have a tent set up for anyone interested in applying for membership in the American Legion. Veterans will also be able to get information on Veterans’ benefits that they have earned. Also, the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek will hold a mini health fair. Veterans, be sure to take a copy of your DD-214.
So that my buddy Vic doesn’t feel left out, here are a few things to test your knowledge. Answers will appear in next week’s column:
In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
What was King George VI’s first name?
From which animal do we get cat gut?
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
