Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Headlines

Ray, pictured here with his two sons is the fourth owner of the University Barbershop in the last 80 years. [Click to enlarge]

Q. How long have you lived in Monmouth?

A. "Since 1970. I went to Central High School."

Did you grow up in a large or a small family?

"A large family - there were 9 kids and 1 cousin. We raised one of my cousins."

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

"Hunting and fishing. My real passion is hunting upland game with my German shorthair."

How long have you owned this business?

"I moved in here ten years ago. The place has only had four owners in 80 years. The other owners all stayed about 30 years and the last one, before me, was Gary Piper."

Where did you learn to cut hair?

"I went to school at Modern Beauty College in Salem, and then I went to Moelher's Barber College in Portland, before it closed down. There are no more Barber Colleges left in Oregon."

What do you find to be the most intriguing thing about owning a small town business?

"The different characters that come in every day. You never know who's coming through that door, it gets interesting at times."

Do many Western students come to you for haircuts?

"About three quarters are Western students. I've worked in a couple of college towns and have noticed a difference in the students here. They are down to earth here."

Do you have any female customers?

"Nope, men only. It's the last male refuge - man land. That sounds bad, but if it's short, I can do it. Longer hair is just too hard."

I noticed you still have a barber pole, what do those symbolize?

"They used to stand for blood and bandages. Barbers used to remove teeth and bullets."

What is the weirdest or most interesting conversation you've had with a customer?

"One guy came in here once; he had all the credentials in the world. He was a professor and he worked for the government. He started talking about UFO's. He said UFO's are real prevalent here in Monmouth and Independence. I couldn't wait for him to leave." •

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