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Wilton barbershop celebrates 60 years

WILTON – Elmer Santerre opened his barbershop on Main Street on Sept. 6, 1958. When some members of the Main Street Association noted that was 60 years ago, the town office took notice, and the result was a surprise party at the town hall on Thursday, Sept. 6.

Originally planned for Main Street Park, the party moved inside because of weather, leaving only one problem: how to get the reticent barber to a surprise party. All the other stores on Main Street sported signs reading “Gone Fishing – at Elmer’s Party.” In the end, Dick Putnam, who has been on Main Street the second longest, since the 1970s, and Alison Meltzer of Main Street, fetched him.

On arriving at the town office, Santerre said he was “totally surprised that you would do this for me.”

After a proclamation from the Select Board declaring it Elmer’s Day and presentation of cards and gifts, about two dozen merchants, town office employees and a selection of old friends enjoyed recollections and cupcakes. Santerre was obviously having a great time.

Santerre bought his barbershop from Angelo Grasso. After a tour in the U.S. Navy, he attended barber school and moved to Wilton with his family. “And the rest,” he said during an interview on the occasion of his 50th anniversary, “is history.”

In 1958, there were three barbers on Main Street. He is the only one left.

His current shop dates to 1970 when he remodeled the original building. A large mirror dates to the 1930s and belonged to Grasso. He has a cash register that dates to 1908. But not much else has changed except hair styles.

Elmer’s is open every day but Sunday and Monday, he said, and only until noon on Saturday.

Another ten years? Maybe, he said.