Hair today, hair tomorrow

Preston Tutt first cut Norman Schwartz's hair in 1965.

"My dad was stationed at Fort Gordon," said Mr. Schwartz, who followed in his father's footsteps by serving in the armed forces. He returned to Augusta after his retirement from the Navy and continues to have his hair cut at Fort Gordon's main barber shop in the Post Exchange.

Mr. Tutt has been cutting hair at Fort Gordon since 1954. He is one of six barbers with 44 or more years of experience cutting hair on the post.

Mr. Tutt started working at Fort Gordon at the suggestion of his brother George, who had begun there two years earlier. After more than 50 years, the brothers continue to work side by side in the main shop.

"It's a good place to work," George Tutt said. "We've been here so long, we've cut the hair of dads, sons, great-granddads. It's a joy to see them all."

Even after a few decades away from Fort Gordon while he was in the Navy, Mr. Schwartz was recognized by the barbers when he returned, Mr. Schwartz said.

Eighteen barbers work in four shops on the post. The senior members of the barber corps said a big reason they have stayed in the profession so long is the quality of people they meet.

In their years on the Army post, the barbers have watched civilian hairstyles come and go, but for the most part the styles at Fort Gordon have remained the same -- high and tight, with a little off the top.

John Chandler, who has worked at Fort Gordon for 44 years and operates the four shops on post, said he recalled a few years in the early 1970s when the Army eased off on its hair regulations.

"When they quit the draft, they were trying to get people to join," he said.

A poster from May 1970 shows photographs of soldiers with sideburns, mustaches and hair a little longer than a flattop. The styles were within the regulations at the time.

Mr. Chandler said the barbers can handle most hairstyles. Their clients are not only active-duty military but also dependents and retirees, so they have to know how to give a variety of cuts.

Edward Smith got his first haircut at Fort Gordon in 1961. During his 22-year Army career, he was stationed at Fort Gordon several times and retired here in 1981.

While he has his favorite barber, Mr. Smith said he doesn't complain no matter who cuts his hair.

"They all do a good job. Each one of the brothers are good," he said.