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Donations being accepted at the shop for barber Doug Little, who suffered a stroke and will not return to work.
HAMILTON — After nearly 50 years cutting hair, Tommy Thompson will lay his scissors to rest at the close of business today.
Since 1974, Thompson has co-owned Hamilton West Barber Shop on Brookwood Avenue, alongside Steve Mallicote. Before that, he worked 10 years at Town & Country Beauty Salon on Main Street.
“I’ve lived within 10 blocks of here all my life,” Thompson said. “I used to go into Town & Country and all the young barbers were driving nice cars.”
Fittingly, Thompson’s last day of work has been declared “Tommy Thompson Day” by a proclamation given by Mayor Pat Moeller on Thursday at the barber shop.
“During his career, Tommy has given tens of thousands of haircuts to multiple generations of families. His loyal customers have waited in line for his professional barber services,” reads the proclamation.
After graduating from Hamilton’s former Taft High School, Thompson went to barber school. He never planned on working as a barber past the age of 21.
“I’m 65 now, and I’ve always enjoyed it,” Thompson said. “I have had some people for 47 years, and they bring in their grandchildren. That makes me feel good.”
Hamilton resident Larry Rulon, a longtime customer, remembers Thompson making special trips to his home to cut his father’s and son’s hair when they were unable to leave home.
“He’s a very nice person and probably cuts more hair there than anyone else because he takes his time and talks with everyone,” said Rulon, who’s been a customer for 40 years.
Resident Dave Brownfield, a customer of Thompson’s for more than 20 years, said it’s the old-time barbershop atmosphere that makes Hamilton West stand out among others.
“I’ve caused some trouble there,” Brownfield said. “I claimed someone had inadvertently taken my coat and left a raggedy, old thing. Next time I came in I realized it was my coat the whole time. When I wasn’t looking they hid it in the corner.”
Brian Devir of Milford has been driving to Hamilton’s west side for 30 years to get his hair cut by Thompson.
“There’s an old town feel to it and a lot of people know each other,” Devir said. “I like sitting down to visit and pick up on what’s going on in town.”
Devir said he’s enjoyed getting to know Thompson and learn of his children and subsequent grandchildren as they grow up.
Thompson looks forward to playing more tennis and golf, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren — Jesse, Eddie, Ben and Alex.
“I want to say thanks to all the customers loyal to me all those years,” Thompson said.
With today being Thompson’s last day of work, Ryan Haynes, a 14-year barber at the shop, will become co-owner. Two new barbers, Joe Templeton and Mason Foster, have been hired as well.
“He’s the best partner anyone can ever have,” Mallicote said.
Thompson teased saying, “We’ve always said we lasted longer than most marriages. After working with him 37 years they’ll be calling me St. Thomas.”
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