Photo by Rob Wills, The Northfield News Fred Tallman, left, gets a trim at The Northfield Barber Shop operated by Randy Peace, shown right, Northfield’s new barber. Randy takes over from Jim Martin who retired after 32 years. For over 32 years, many passed the familiar face of Jim Martin while he stood by the rotating barber pole outside Martin’s Barber Shop as he nodded a greeting.

Jim recently retired and turned the reins over to Randy Peace who is now operating as The Northfield Barber Shop.

Randy, who has been a barber since 1987, said that he met Jim at Norwich where Jim had a contract as Barber.

After two years, Randy left to work at Elm Street Barber in Montpelier. Randy said that he also worked in Randolph and Waterbury but always desired and planned to have a Barber Shop in Northfield.

Randy said, “Jim always said when he left the business, I would take over. Jim has been so good to me during the transition of taking over the shop here. He still comes in for regular visits and sits in his chair.”

Randy said he has been pleased with the customers he has had so far.

“Everyone has been very receptive,” said Randy, “and I have been overwhelmed by Jim’s clients he has created and my own, who have followed me.”

Randy stated that he operates during the hours of Tuesday through Friday from 6:45 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 6:45 a.m. till noon. He also said that he is currently at the tail end of his military career with about three years left with the Vermont Air National Guard, which causes him to close one Friday and Saturday each month.

The shop will be kept as it has been, Randy said, but plans to put up shelves with men’s hair products for sale. He also plans to display antique Barber Shop equipment, which he had collected over the years.

“It’s a traditional, old fashioned barber shop,” Randy said, “walk ins only. I specialize in traditional Barber Shop haircuts. I have always enjoyed interacting with people and love seeing the kids and adults grab

lollipop after their haircuts.”