Barber celebrates 60-year milestone at College Barber Shop

At the College Barber Shop on State Street, Don Fine celebrated a 60-year milestone Thursday.

With a wit sharper than sheers, the 83-year-old snipped his first strands at Madison's College Barber Shop on March 7, 1953.

"That's a long time," said longtime client David Friedman. "And one of these days, (his wife) Josephine will let him stay home."

"I'm trying to remember how many years (I've been coming to this barber shop). Probably over 40," said Friedman.

"There's probably enough to fill three football stadiums, all the hair he's cut," said barber shop owner Larry Cobb. "But if he keeps going longer, maybe we'll retire together in a few years."

Five years ago, Fine sold the barber shop to Cobb, which meant Fine giving up the barber shop's first chair. But Cobb said Fine's influence remains a cut above the rest.

"He's like a second dad to me," Cobb said.

"Now, (Cobb) makes more money than I do," joked Fine.

Fads come and go, but Fine's work never seems to go out of style.

"Every one a masterpiece -- all these years. It's unbelievable, isn't it?" Fine said.

Fine cuts hair part time now on Tuesdays and Thursdays, days officially known as "old fart days" at the barber shop. Fine said he has no plans to retire.