NORWAY — Ed’s Barbershop, started by Edgar “Ed” Damon in 1958, has been a staple in the Norway community, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Although Damon passed away on Nov. 16, 2016 his undeniable legacy as the town barber of Norway vividly endures through the myriad people that recount stories and qualities of Damon; often including their own fondly-held memories of venturing past the barber’s pole and positing themselves for their carefully crafted cut.

“I first went to him [Damon] back in 1958 with my father; that was back in the Beal’s Hotel … he was a heck of a good guy,” said Sid Whitman, longtime customer and regular at the shop while he was under the clippers of Norway’s new gentleman barber  Oni Jacob.

Originally from Arizona, Jacob moved to New York City, and then to Las Vegas when he turned 18, leaving New York, “because I didn’t like the snow,” Jacob said with an apparent acute appreciation of the irony as he glanced outside, continuing, “now I’m here, where it snows all the … time.”

Jacobs moved to the area with his wife Beverly, who is from Raymond, to raise their children; two boys and two girls, or as Jacob puts it, “the best of both worlds.” Beverly had always wanted to raise her family in Maine and Jacob said once he came to Oxford County he changed most of his tune, saying it is the, “best place ever to raise your kids I’ll tell you that!”

Although Jacob does remains baffled by the local appreciation for the climate, “everyone up here seems to love the snow … I’m ready for it now,” he said, recalling a heavy snowfall last April as an enlightening experience.

Jacob graduated cosmetology school in Arizona. Cosmetology and Barber School both cover hair-cutting and the aggregate services typical to the industry. Barbers specialize in cutting hair, tending toward traditional men’s care while a cosmetologist also learns nail care and a wide variety of hairstyles for female customers. 

Barber or cosmetologist, the important part isn’t in the minor differences, it’s the licensing.  Barbering and Cosmetology licensing is issued and regulated by the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation and requires annual renewal. Considering that those licensees use sharp instruments so close to people’s faces, it is probably for the best those without caught without one face fines of up to $5,000.

Tina Alexander, current owner and licensed barber, sees that most of her clientele are men, though women are welcome to come in for a sit-down with Jacob. She put advertisements out through several digital media looking for a suitable candidate.  In the end, it was the small sign in the window Beverly saw and told her husband about.

Jacob continued his training beyond cosmetology school, working with his cousin’s husband at their barber shop to widen his skill set. “Overall, I’ve been cutting [hair] for six years now,” he said.

Bringing his experience to Norway, Jacob’s special skills are well-suited for a classic barber. He is proficient in fades, lineups and anything concerning facial shaving; ideal for a barber creating clean, manicured looks on his customers and offering an old-fashioned straight shave that shops no longer offer. He often finishes his cuts by turning the customer to inspect themselves in the mirror, smiling and saying, “You’re ready for the world.”

Despite remaining a Giants and Yankee fan regardless of jests from Alexander, Jacob is here to stay even after the family is grown.  “This is home base. I like the people up here, they’re cool … they have a good sense of humor, although it is cold.”

Jacob is enthusiastic to hear the stories that pour in about Damon, the community and continue to build a reputation and good rapport with locals. “They say back in the day if he [Damon] was here you could come in and get a history lesson.” Jacob continued, “If you wanted to know something, you came to see Ed, the barber of Norway.”

SHOP TALK — Oni Jacob carrying on laughing with customers and owner, Tina Alexander.  Jacob credits the people of Norway for having a “good sense of humor,” something Jacob has in common with his new community. 

Jacob skillfully takes his trimmers across the head of customer Rod Sterling, finishing the customer’s haircut with a quick shoulder rub. (Adam Brown, Advertiser Democrat)