“The Good Old Days” -By Tom Kuehne

Hair Styling

Today when we think that we need to have some handiwork for our hair, we seem to automatically think about going to a beauty parlor, a hair stylist or a barber shop. History shows us that in many cases, the beautification of hair was something that was done in the home.

I remember the ladies getting a couple of sisters together and “doing hair” as a chance to get together to share news, gossip or new ideas. The guys really didn't spend any time in the kitchen when those hair duties were performed. If there were guys in the house, they usually gathered in the front room or if the weather permitted, they stayed outside. There was nothing bad happening when the ladies were “doing hair,” but somehow, as a guy, you just didn't feel comfortable being part of those gatherings. The most memorable thing for me was the rather strong unpleasant odor from the product that was used to do a permanent. I'm sure that the smell also affected the ladies, but they were willing to suffer the smell so that they would be more beautiful.

Saturday was the day when the ladies would wind their hair in small circles and let them dry being held by two crossed bobby pins, or the hair was rolled on rollers and pinned to the head with white hair pins. In both cases, the hair needed to dry in pins and rollers to be beautiful for Sunday, when the church goers could see them. There were no electric hair dryers around, so air drying was next best. There was always a question in my mind as to why, when grocery shopping on Saturday, the handiwork on the head needed to be covered and tied up in a red men's handkerchief to be socially acceptable for going to town.

The guys were usually expected to have hair that didn't grow over the ears. As a young kid, I can remember getting a hair-cut about every three weeks. It wasn't an occasion that you looked forward to. Grandpa would take out oil and oil the hand powered hair clippers. These clippers were powered by bringing the handles together with a continuing hand squeezing. When the clipper was placed on the neck there was a lot of uncomfortable hair pulling. Either the clippers were dull, or it was being moved up the neck faster than the hair

Corner Pub & Grill

Freeport, MN • 320-836-2120

Friday Night Lent Special

Dine In Only • Serving 5-9 PM 4 Pc. Fish Dinner with JoJo's... $9.50 Extra Fish $2.00 Ea.

Lunch Specials: 11 AM-1 PM

Fri., Mar. 3: Fish Burger or Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries

Mon., Mar. 6: Corn Chowder Soup w/Cheeseburger

Tues., Mar. 7: Baked Chicken Dinner

Wed., Mar. 8: Chicken Tender Melt w/Fries

Thurs., Mar. 9: Chicken Breast on Rice Pilaf

Fri., Mar. 10: Fish Burger or Cheeseburger w/Chili or Fries was being cut. No fun. Stories were told of using a bowl placed on the head as a pattern for cutting. I don't know if this was done, but most haircuts looked the same. As the years went by, the style was referred to as an army haircut. The tops were allowed to be long enough to be able to create a part and have the rest of the hair be long enough to stay in a position that Vaseline would hold in place.

The depression had taught Rural America that it was a waste of time and money to drive to town over very unimproved roads and spend money to get your haircut. Consider the cost of a gallon of gas at about $.20, the half hour driving time each way, plus the $.35 cost of the haircut, when it could all be done for nothing at home.

My Mother kept a careful accounting of the money saved by cutting the guy's hair at home and after a period of years she had accumulated enough credits to buy a piano.

For feedback or story ideas, email Tom at tom@swanvilleinsurance.com.

If you need help with Health or Life Insurance or for Senior Health Solutions Contact: Tom Kuehne 320-360-0343

All Stars

SPORTS BAR & GRILL

St. Rosa • 320-836-2154 FRIDAY

Watch for our St. Patrick's Day Weekend Menu & Drink Specials March 17-19

Friday Night Lent Specials

• Shrimp Tacos $13.95

• Garlic and Chili Grilled Prawns $14.95

• Honey Dijon Arctic Char $19.95

• ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH (BAR) $14.95

• Lobster Roll $16.95

New Dining Room Hours:

Mon.-Thurs.: Closed

Fri.-Sat.: 4-8 PM

Sun.: 9 AM-1 PM Bar Hours

STOP IN FOR ALL YOUR OFF SALE NEEDS!

Busch Light $20.00 +tax

MELROSE AMERICAN

- Post 101

Co. Rd. 173 SE, Melrose 320-256-3581 • Cell 320-429-4008

320-285-3576 11977 County 47, Grey Eagle

Wed.-Fri.: 4 PM-Close Sat.-Sun.: 11 AM-Close

Saturdays & Sundays

Bloody Mary w/Burger Special $13

Loaded Bloody Mary's $10

HAPPY HOUR: Wed.-Fri.: 4-6 PM

KARAOKE Friday Nights 8-10 PM

BAR SPECIALS 4-9 PM

Wednesdays: Build Your Own Burger Basket starting at $6.50

Thursdays: Rib Basket $8.50 Chicken & Ribs $13 1/4 Broasted Chicken Basket $8.50

BARTENDER

HAPPY HOUR:

4:30-6:30 PM...$3.00

Thursday: All Day/Night...$2.50

Nightly Specials

COOKS WANTED

Dine In Only - With Beverage Purchase

Monday: (5-9 pm) $3 Build a Burger

Mayo, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions (raw/fried), Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Sauerkraut, Cheese (Swiss, American, Pepper Jack)

Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice

Tuesday: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

3 Chicken Strips w/Toast & Fries $7.50

6 Drummies w/Toast & Fries $7.50

Walleye Wednesday: (5-9:30 pm)

Walleye Fingers w/Fries $8.50

Thursday Wraps: (5-9 pm) Choice of:

Grilled Chicken $9.00; Crispy Chicken $8.50; Buffalo Chicken $8.50; Taco $8.50; Philly Steak $8.50

Saturday: (4-8 pm) 1/4 lb. Hamburger $2.50

Toppings 50¢ each; Bacon 50¢ Slice