DENVER – In a place where time flies by, you’ll find a barber named Dick Alderson.
“Like I said, everything is old in here that’s for sure,” Alderson said.
It’s a corner of history for Denver
“It’s an east Denver landmark, that’s for sure,” Alderson said. “This spot. Since 1953 when I was 19 years old.”
The barbershop is called O’Brien’s Tonsorial Parlor.
“We’ve been opened for 64 years,” Alderson said.
O’Brien’s is what Alderson calls a time capsule of sorts.
“The guy who started this place is Dick O’Brien,” Alderson said. “I became his partner 20 years before he died.”
But what makes this place so special, according to Alderson, the time that’s spent here.
Alderson, and his co-workers who have worked at O’Brien’s for more than 40 years said they’ve met people through all walks of life.
“You could probably write a book about this place,” said Paul Sainz, one of the barbers. “All the regular people and celebrities that have come through here. I bet that book would be funny.”
Clients turned into friends at O’Brien’s.
“It’s like coming to family here,” said Allan, who’s been getting his haircut at O’Brien’s for 40 years.
“I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else,” said Dale, another barber at O’Brien’s.
Alderson said in the past 64 years, too many memories were created to even remember them all.
One of his favorite memories though is seeing President Eisenhower drive in front of the shop.
“Only two Secret Service guys were with him,” Alderson said. “One of htem would stay in the car, and the other would get his shoes shine here at the shop. Then they would pick up the president and drive really slow in front of our shop and we would sit right outside and wave at him.”
In a place where time seems to be endless, Alderson and the rest of his employees received news that made time stop.
“Everybody on this block will be out,” Alderson said.
According to Alderson, the landlords will not be renewing their lease and will make room for new businesses.
“I’m kind of ready but I hate to see it end,” Alderson said.
It’s a very bittersweet moment in time for everyone at O’Brien’s.
But the atmosphere at the barber shop is in good spirits. Alderson said the lease will end at the end of October 2018.
“There’s still time," he said.