WHENEVER I’M OUT AND ABOUT with my camera in a downtown business district, I notice details. In storefront windows. On doors. In building signage.
On a recent walk through Northfield, I spotted a typewritten sign at Bridge Square Barbers that caused me to erupt with laughter. And laughter is an expression of happiness that I need more than ever in this unsettled world.
I stood in front of that sign about business hours, read, laughed, then focused my lens.
I love, and appreciate, this humorous approach by a barber unknown to me. Rather than post a straightforward notice of hours, this businessman crafted a memorable message to humor customers should they find the door locked. That’s creative. Smart. Excellent customer relations.
However, I’m left wondering about “if all hell breaks out at home.” As a writer, my brain is drafting multiple stories, none of them probably true, but all prompted by the barber’s words. Does “all hell breaks out” involve children? Pets? Just life in general?
Whatever the story, this writer and photographer appreciates when business owners show their personalities in creative messages like these. I notice. And I laugh. Well done, Bridge Square Barbers!
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
brilliant and funny, no one can be upset about the hours, with such good humor involved. i’m also fascinated by signs that people make or post
Exactly…no one can be mad. Glad you share my interest in signage.
I’m always fascinated by what’s out there
Me, too.
A great sign…I’m glad they posted the “real” hours too.
It was so fun to discover and document. I love finding signs like these.
I saw a sign just like this one on a tatoo shop in Milwaukee, like you… I had to laugh. 🙂
Thanks for sharing about your find. I love seeing signs like these. In fact, this sign prompted me to write a story for a competition I’m entering.
Love it!!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed this humor from the barbershop, Norma.
😂🤣😂🤣😂😂😂🤔
Loved this thoughtful approach and I would have stopped and laughed too! With all the evil in the World it is good to know that people with a bit of humor can make us still laugh.
BTW- read a wonderful article about the woolen mill in your town. I didn’t realize that it had closed for a period of time.
Thank you for appreciating the humor of Bridge Square Barbers. Yes, we absolutely need a break from all the evil in the world. How are you, Paula?
Yes, the woolen mill close for a period. Where did you read this article? I’d like to read it.
The article was in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. They had a very nice back story and also how they are “retooling” the mill to offer other products.
We are doing ok. Can’t say the situation is helping my PTSD but over the years I have found ways to manage it. The entire mess is very concerning. War on European soil has never been without bloodshed and it seems every few generations has to experience the horrible outcome. We were never supposed to have this happen again here! This is why NATO was formed. Unfortunately many US citizens do not understand that no one can exist in a world based on fear, intimidation, war. There should have been a peaceful way out but when dealing with “mad men” who have control over weapons that should have never existed…well … we are experiencing the results.
Paula, thank you for the reference to the Strib.
And thank you for your perspective on the war against Ukraine. I appreciate reading your insights because you approach this as an American veteran now living in Europe. It’s important for us to hear what you have to say. Please continue to take great care. I understand how hard this is on you. With love and prayers…
😊 No worries. If needed I will make a stand on the NATO front line and if that happens… I will not let them through! Hopefully it won’t come to that…but who knows in these situations. I have some not so nice American language for Putin and have no doubt that if needed… I human toll of this already is so crazy that those of us that have been in these situations it really reminds me of when I was in Sarajevo. Sad enough. WE NEED ALL THE PRAYERS you can spare for the Ukranine people.
Paula, I admire your strength. I appreciate all you have done to protect freedom, at great cost to yourself. Be assured I am praying. I am writing on the topic of Ukraine tomorrow. May peace be yours, dear friend.
I just wrote a blog that will be published about how I feel too. Look for it today sometime. Thanks for all your kindness and support.
You are welcome, Paula. I look forward to reading your post. Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your insights and thoughts.
Perfect store hours. I think all stores should adopt those hours and then who could complain?
Exactly. This sign inspired me to write a work of creative nonfiction, which I’m polishing now for a contest.
Really must make a point of driving south, with your columns as tour guide. I shop Marvy’s on St. Clair (just off Snelling) who sells barber polls. The neighborhood my stylist has her small shop of unique character in, m-i-g-h-t be this sign creative again, once the covid signs go away. Thanks for another fun post – loved Owatonna too – but I never did get in that bank!
Thank you for the compliment that my blog posts could serve as “tour guides.” You must get inside that Sullivan bank. I visited many years ago. It’s beyond stunning.
Great sign
I thought so. Thanks for appreciating it.
This is my shop. Please feel free to come in anytime. My dog and I will always be happy to see you when we are in. If we aren’t in just check business hours 😉
Adam, the next time I’m in Northfield and you (and your dog) are in the shop, I’ll pop in. I’d love to share my story, “Barbershop Prompt,” with you if you haven’t already read it. I’d encourage you to buy a copy to keep in your barbershop. “The Talking Stick, Volume 31, Escapes” is available on Amazon. It’s packed with excellent writing my Minnesotans or those with a connection to Minnesota.