If you ever want to hear some good stories about what Montrose was like “back in the day,” Jack Roscher is the one to talk to. Jack, who owns the Montrose Barber Shop, has been barbering for 51½ years, the last 43 of them right here! I had to ask, “Are there any clients you have had the whole time?” The answer is “Yes”!
The Montrose Barber Shop is located at 3810 Ocean View Blvd. Mountain Rose Gifts is happy to be Jack’s new neighbor. For decades before it was Jay Drayman and later his son John. Imagine what things were like back then! According to Jack, the sheriff’s station complete with jail was where Dog Gone Cute is now. Remnants of the old jail are still there. Jack also remembers the days when Faye Snow, who owned Faye’s as well as the apartments behind the store, would rent reasonably to needy people. Faye had a heart of gold.
Jack can be found at the barber shop Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many days he is joined by fellow barbers Vito Cannella, an Italian Knight and one of the founders of National Flag Week, and Bennie Corona who has been there 20 years. These guys know their stuff. Their professional cuts take 15 to 20 minutes and only cost $20. Feel free to just walk in. No appointments are needed. The Montrose Barber Shop is one of the few places where you can have your hair cut while you sit in vintage barber chairs from the early 1900s. Now that’s authentic! Every Saturday morning Jack serves free Starbucks coffee and donuts to his clients.
Jack was born in Toledo, Ohio. He just celebrated the big 7-0 and is still going strong. He enjoys motorcycles, building cars and martial arts. He knows karate and judo. He also has a wonderful girlfriend Dianne who is creative, artistic and fun.
The atmosphere at the Barber Shop is always jovial and upbeat. Grandfathers, fathers, sons, and boys can all be seen getting trimmed, from Justin Beiber cuts for boys to conservative cuts for the older guys. So come on guys and experience a slice of Montrose history at the Montrose Barber Shop!