The postcard shown above is about Prof. J. H. Buckley, Manager at Victor Barber College of Minneapolis, Minnesota, winning the worlds record for fast shaving. The official time shaving three men was 2 minutes and 51 seconds. The text on the card names five witnesses but does not give the date of this record or any official body that might have been keeping records.
Victor Barber College advertised in the Minneapolis Tribune from 1908 to 1916. The first address was at 36 Washington Avenue South. In June 1909 the ad listed new modern quarters at 251 1st Ave. South. Still later, the address was on Hennepin Ave. The Moler Barber College advertised in the same classified ad columns as Victor. Moler's history goes back to 1893, and the college is still in business in Minneapolis as Moler Barber School.
J. H. Buckley's name appeared in a 1904 newspaper article when he was accused (and acquitted) of operating on Sunday. At that time the Barber's union had undertaken a crusade against violators of the Sunday closing law.
When searching for information about fast shaving records, I found a copy of the 1901/02 The Barbers' Journal online in Google Books. This journal was published by the Journeymen Barbers' International Union of America. Of course, most of the content related to current issues and events concerning American barbers, but there were some interesting international and historical items too.
J. H. Buckley's name appeared in a 1904 newspaper article when he was accused (and acquitted) of operating on Sunday. At that time the Barber's union had undertaken a crusade against violators of the Sunday closing law.
When searching for information about fast shaving records, I found a copy of the 1901/02 The Barbers' Journal online in Google Books. This journal was published by the Journeymen Barbers' International Union of America. Of course, most of the content related to current issues and events concerning American barbers, but there were some interesting international and historical items too.
Here are some examples from The Barbers' Journal:
If you are curious about pogonotomy, there is actually a website about it pogonotomy.com that promotes "real shaving" (using a traditional double edged razor and a lather generated with a brush) .
If you wanted a fierce mustache for yourself, you could get a German Mustache Trainer that was advertised in the journal.
A Liverpool barber claims the record for fast shaving, claiming to have removed the hair, and I don't know how much cuticle from five faces in 57-1/2 seconds, the time for each one being 11, 11, 11, 9-1/2 and 11 seconds respectively.******************
In ancient Greece when one citizen wanted to tell another that this or that friend shaved himself they said that he practiced pogonotomy. Today in making the same reference we simply say that he "scrapes" himself.******************
It is said that the fierce mustache of Emperor William of Germany, about which so much has been said in the papers of this and other countries, is nothing more nor less than a disguise. When at home it bristles in all its fury, but occasionally it droops, as was the case a short time ago when he paid a visit, incognito, to Paris, where he apparently went to study the strength of Germany's arch enemy, France.
If you are curious about pogonotomy, there is actually a website about it pogonotomy.com that promotes "real shaving" (using a traditional double edged razor and a lather generated with a brush) .
If you wanted a fierce mustache for yourself, you could get a German Mustache Trainer that was advertised in the journal.
Some interesting images of shaving throughout history were contributed by Colgate & Co., makers of Colgate's Shaving Soap. Here are a few.
A Barber Shop in Ancient Greece
An Open Air Chinese Barber Shop
An Old English Barber Shop
One of the articles I noticed was "An Interesting Letter From England" (page 52). This pointed out differences between English and American barber shops, which created problems for unionization in England. It was said that in America there appeared to be a clear division of the barbering trade into two sections--"Bosses" and Journeymen. In England, however the barbering business was divided and subdivided along class lines into many sections.
A Barber Shop in Ancient Greece
An Open Air Chinese Barber Shop
An Old English Barber Shop
One of the articles I noticed was "An Interesting Letter From England" (page 52). This pointed out differences between English and American barber shops, which created problems for unionization in England. It was said that in America there appeared to be a clear division of the barbering trade into two sections--"Bosses" and Journeymen. In England, however the barbering business was divided and subdivided along class lines into many sections.
This is a fascinating post. I don't think I would have wanted to be one of the five shaved in 57 secs.
ReplyDeleteI used a a double-edged razor for years and lots of tissue paper to mop up the blood!
German Mustache Trainer? There's an off-color joke in there somewhere.
ReplyDelete;-)
What an interesting look into the mysterious world of barbering. I'm not sure I see the advantage of "fast shaving" -- seems risky to me. Probably a lot of blood-letting while training.
ReplyDeleteI am rather speechless. This must be a one-of-a kind post in blogland, and is an excellent one.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandma used to shave my Grandpa that way in their little hall. It was fun to watch, and takes a lot of trust to let someone go at you with a big razor like that.
Thanks so much for pulling this together for us!
Kathy M.
From the quick shave to a moustache trainer, unique post. I saw someone on the TV with a collection of moustache cups, very strange. My dad used to have a cut throat, the blood letting stopped when he changed to electric.
ReplyDeletethis was such an interesting post. My brother is a retired barber. I'll have to share your post with him and see if you knows what pogonotomy is.
ReplyDeleteNancy
I'm with Bob, I would not want to be one of the victims of a speed shaver
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! It's interesting to learn the history and background on any subject. Those fast shaves seem risky to me!
ReplyDeleteA super post. I regret I have little use for speed shaving, as my whiskers get evened up (by myself) perhaps once or twice a year with scissors or the Schick razor that my grandfather gave to me in 1969.
ReplyDelete'German Mustache Trainer' :-) . I don't know many people these days with a 'Kaiser Mustache' ...
ReplyDeleteThat moustache trainer looks seriously scary!
ReplyDeleteI regard shaving a bit of a chore. But this article makes it seem more like an art.
ReplyDeleteFascinating facts - if rather esoteric. I don’t suppose this journal is one that would ordinarily leap into your hands from the newsagents’ shelves!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful post about the fads of back then. The trainer one quite a photo, (all your photos perfect too) but that one, how amazing and scary, I had never heard about that before.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing - if I was a guy, don't think I'd want someone trying to break a record shaving my face and neck!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure which is the most scary - the moustache trainer or the cut-throat razor :-) Jo
ReplyDeleteInteresting journey into Man's Vanity, even if we don't brag so much about it...
ReplyDelete;)~
HUGZ
Fantastic historic sketches. That mustache trainer is quite bizarre.
ReplyDeleteThat ad for the trainer reminds me of some sort of a "cap" for men to wear with their mustaches at night. I think I've seen it in old movies.
ReplyDeleteAnd who knew shaving could be a turned into a competition. Though, now that I think of it, there was the one scene in Sweeny Todd that was a competition.
I very much enjoyed your unique interpretation of the hair theme. I'm with the others who wouldn't want to experience the fine art of speed-shaving.
ReplyDeleteUmmm.....I'm not sure the concept of "Fast Shaving" goes well with cut-throat razors!
ReplyDelete