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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2013-03-07, Page 7THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013. PAGE 7.Murray’s Barber Shop of Brusselswill hit a big milestone as being oneof the longest operating businesseson Main Street next week marking 50 years. John Murray Lowe a.k.a. “Muzzy” was born and raised in Brussels, growing up on his family farm at RR4, Brussels and then eventually moved to town with his parents Jack and Mary Lowe and siblings Wayne and Ann. After his third year of Grade 9, Murray finally decided upon a career and it was his vice-principal at high school who gave Murray books to look at is where he got the idea of becoming a barber. So at the age of 18, Murray enrolled at the Drouillard Barber Schools Ltd. in London. There were 21 men in his class and students had to bring their own scissors and clippers. Out of the 21 students, Lowe was the only left- handed barber. Lowe says “this made learning quite difficult as he had to learn everything that a right- handed person would do and then try to figure out how to do it left-handed.” He made lots of notes inhis book to help him remember thedifferent techniques. In his first few weeks of school the students were supposed to shadow the students that were soon graduating, but the teacher decided against that idea and put them to work right away. That morning at 11:30 a.m., Lowe remembers he did his first haircut. Murray and the rest of the students started practising the brush cut and the square back cuts on children and then gradually advanced to adults. He also learned how to shave men with straight razors and the proper techniques of caring for the equipment which they used. Murray finished school in nine-and-a-half months and completed his exam in Toronto. For the exam there was a written portion as well as a practical component. Lowe brought his brother Wayne to show the examiners how to cut hair as well as proper shaving techniques. Murray received his official barbering licence on March 14, 1963.Upon graduating, Lowe openedhis barbershop across the street fromhis current location on Feb. 9, 1963. In 1967, he purchased the building where he is now. In August of 1968, Murray and new wife Ruth moved into the building where they still reside today. Haircuts in the 1960s and 1970s were most popular on Saturday nights. Saturday was the day families would come to town and the men, mostly farmers, always made time for a haircut and shave. Prices back then were 75 cents for children and $1 for men. Times have certainly changed not only in prices, but with new health regulations, shaving has gone by the wayside. Lowe still keeps his old tools in a case on display in his barbershop where a lot of the kids always ask ‘Muzzy’ what he used them for? Lowe has also seen a lot of changes occur on Main Street, including a lot of the businesses Lowe celebrates 50 years Through the generations Murray Lowe, right, is celebrating 50 years of business on the main street of Brussels. He is seen above with his son John, left, and his grandson Beckett. (Photo submitted)Continued on page 16 MURRAY’S To Murray (Muzzy) Lowe On 50 Years in Business!!! 439 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9682 www.solacespa.ca email: info@solacespa.ca Open Tuesday to Saturday CAFÉ 401 Turnberry St., Brussels “More than just a great sandwich” 519-887-8011 Monday - Thursday 5:30 am - 3 pm Friday 5:30 am - 8 pm Saturday 7 am - 3 pm Brussels Fresh food. Friendly neighbours. 38 King St., Brussels ~ Keith Bell ~ Manager 519-887-9740 Congratulations Murray! Gas Bar Family Restaurant & Take Out Open 7 days a week • Brussels •519-887-6951 Instant Lotto & Diesel at Gas Bar HURON FEEDING SYSTEMS JOE SEILI Brussels 519-887-6289 Your local authorized dealer for... Congratulations Murray on 50 Years! McDonald Home Hardware Building Centre 519-887-6277 • 1-800-881-0030 www.mcdonaldhomehardware.com Up to Par Automotive 519-887-6856 • 1-888-351-9193 625 Turnberry Street, BRUSSELS, ON formerly McCutcheon Motors Georges to Jo-Anns "Your Family Hair Care Centre" 490 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-6751 Best Wishes Murray! Turning Heads & Making Waves Total Family Hair Care Turnberry St. Brussels ~ 519-887-6666 Janice Machan would like to congratulate Murray on 50 Years in Business McGavin Farm Equipment Ltd. Walton 519-887-6365 OR 1-877-887-6365 Best Wishes Murray! Safe, Dependable Trucking Service • Livestock • Bulk Brussels, Ontario 519-887-6122 1-800-667-8399 BRUSSELS VARIETY Groceries, Pop, ATM, Movie Rentals, Lotto Centre Open 7 Days A Week 565 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-6224 BRUSSELS 519-887-6273 For service & quality you can trust BRUSSELS AGROMART LTD. Crop Inputs, Seed, Crop Protection Products, Custom Application, Soil Testing, GPS Mapping, Nutrient Management Plans www.sholdicefinancial.com Phone: 519-887-2662519-887-6851 Huron Country Hardware 440 Turnberry St., Brussels FEED STORES DUNGANNON 519-529-7951 1-800-665-5675 WALTON 519-887-6023 COUNTRY STORE WALTON 519-887-8429 Congrats Murray! Stop in to the Barbershop on March 14th and enjoy a piece of cake and a visit with Murray to celebrate this milestone! Susan Alexander,CFP CLU CHS Doug Sholdice Phyllis Chisholm 472 Turnberry St., Brussels