Anniversary on Main Avenue
BY EMILY SCHERESKY
Intern
Throughout the years, Washburn’s Main Avenue has seen a variety of changes, yet one business has remained constant. Tom Merkel has had Merkel’s Barbershop stationed in the same location since 1958, making 2018 year 60. October 1 marks the shop’s official anniversary.
Before Merkel came to Washburn, he joined the military at the age of 20. He received the G.I. Bill in 1955 and used the opportunity to go to the Moler Barber College located in Fargo, which is where his career began. When asked why he chose to be a barber in the first place, Merkel said it was just something he wanted to do. He was also encouraged by his family to pursue the career.
After an apprenticeship in Tioga, he obtained his barber’s license and headed to Washburn and opened his shop on Main Avenue. It was in that same shop that he lived with his wife Vivian for four years before they saved up for a house.
“We took it day by day,” Merkel said.
Over the years, some updates have been made to Merkel’s business. In 1975, Merkel added a shoe repair business to his shop, requiring him to add onto his building. Fixing shoes became a successful addition to his career, which he claims “put (him) on easy street”. Two of Merkel’s sons assisted him in the shoe repair business until they left for college.
