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West Suburban Barber Shop Closing After 103 Years

SAINT CHARLES, Ill. (CBS) -- After more than 100 years in business, a west suburban barbershop will close its door for the last time, as its owner is trading in his shears and combs for a set of golf clubs.

WBBM Newsradio's John Cody reports Berry's Barber Shop first opened in 1910 at 117 E. Main St. in Saint Charles.

Ron Saltzgiver, 68, bought it after returning from Vietnam in 1968.

"The price was $2.25," he said. "Now, it's $15."

After 45 years in business, Saltzgiver said, "I learned there's a lot of smart people that sit in this chair."

He said he's catered to plenty of celebrities.

"Everybody that sits in this chair is a celebrity, at least for 15-20 minutes," he said.

Saltzgiver waxed philosophical about closing, while taking a quick break from cutting hair for a phone interview on Friday.

"I'll tell you, I think 50 years is enough at anything. I'm 68 years old. I've been barbering since I was 18, and it's just time to go to the sunset," he said.

Saltzgiver is the third owner of Berry's Barber Shop. Saint Charles Mayor Raymond Rogina said Saltzgiver will be missed.

"There will be a void on Main Street with his barbershop gone," he said.

"Play a little golf, go see my grandkids in their sporting events, spend some quality time with my wife, and enjoy life," he said.

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