To the editor:

I am fortunate to be able to say that I was born and raised in Laurel.

Although I met and married a girl from California and wound up moving here three decades ago, I enjoy keeping up with Laurel news through the Laurel Leader-Call on-line.

I just read your story about Mr. Sherman Beech,Jr. celebrating his 80th birthday.Reading that article took me back many years to the late 40's and early 50's when Mr. Beech, Sr. gave my older brother, Richard and me our first haircuts. Mr. Beech, Jr gave my younger brother, Phil his first haircut and, of course, these fine barbers continued to cut our hair and our father Buddy's hair for many years.

We actually looked forward to our bi-weekly visits to the barber, because we knew we would like our haircuts and we enjoyed our friendly barbers. I remember Mr. Beech, Jr. working for an hour one time trying to get my hair to stand up for a flat-top. He finally talked me into a crew cut, because my hair just wouldn't stand up straight!

Congratulations on your 65 years of cutting hair, Mr. Beech. My brothers and I are glad you were a part of our growing up in Laurel.

— Joe Taylor

California