Louis, Louis, Louis, Louis…read more..
I was 6, just learning how to read, when my grandfather assured me that Louis was pronounced Louie. He was an honest man, so I believed him. But it instilled in me, a great distrust for the English language.
Louis, the proprietor of Central Barber Shop, has been cutting hair for well over 40 years. For the exact number, you'd have to ask him. I'm sure he'd be obliged to answer and discuss any number of topics, or give you advice as any good, ol' time barber should.
If you think that Woodstock resembles Mayberry, then you should step into Central Barber Shop and meet Floyd's doppelganger. The resemblance is uncanny. Not only do they look alike, but they treat their clientele the same.
People have been coming to Louis all of their lives (if I still lived in Woodstock, I'd be one of them). Back in the day, there wasn't much competition; sure now theres dozen's of other quafferies to choose from, but Central Barber Shop is more than just a place to get your haircut- Its a familiar face. It's that nostalgia that you cant seem to find anymore in todays hustle-and-bustle, instant gratification society.
It's that warm, smothering hug from your grandmother. The loyal, gray-faced black lab who meets you at the door when you come home from a long day. That old elm tree you used to climb on and nap under on those hot summer afternoons...
Sure, you don't get that gratis' straight-razored, hot shaving cream shave on the back of the neck anymore. But you do get that traditional "ears-lowered" cut that was good enough for your father, and your grandfather, and is still good enough for you.
Thanks for staying true, Lou. And thanks for remembering my name, even after not seeing me for 7 years.