Sam-I-Am

We just recently celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday and movie theaters everywhere released The Lorax, the newest movie based on the poet's environment-friendly book. In a town that celebrates reading just as much as it celebrates trees, the spirit of Dr. Seuss spreads from Penn all the way to Narberth Avenue. Well right between Fern and Lees Avenue sits a Collingswood-staple that I'm sure has been asked more than once if he enjoys green eggs and ham.

Anytime I walked to school, Sam Rescigno would be in his barber shop window waving. It didn't matter if he was cutting hair or waiting for his next customer, he always managed to give a little hello and he still does! Now that I walk by Sam's Barber Shop every morning on my way to PATCO I am once again able to enjoy my daily wave. It's become just as important and addictive as my daily cup of coffee. I even find myself slowing my step as I approach the barber shop just to be sure Sam catches a glimpse. Well, after all these years of only knowing Sam through a wave, I wanted to learn a bit more about the man in the window:

How long has your barbershop been in business? 

In Collingswood, 37 years; in Philadelphia 12 years 

If I understand correctly, you are not from Collingswood, where do you call home?

Marlton, NJ 

I would say Marlton is neat but also expensive and traffic-congested. How would you sum up Collingswood in three words?

Friendly, successful, desirable 

I have to know. What’s the deal with the barber pole? How does it work?

Many years ago, barbers were considered "doctors" and reused their bandages, hence the red and white, blue was added many years later.  It is now used to let people know if you were open (spinning).

How do you manage to wave at everyone that passes by and cut hair at the same time? Is that a skill you have mastered over the years?

Can't really say as I've done it all my life (just as my Dad did).

How great to keep the tradition going! Your wave is why I consider your business a legendary part of Collingswood. What’s a legendary part of Collingswood for you?

The people that I have met over the years.  The other legend in town is the across the street.

Does the mayor of Collingswood get his hair cut by you?

No, but our former mayor does.

Whose head of hair would you love to get your hands on?

My grandson's!  

Long hair is in! Now when I get my hair cut, I never know what to talk about and end up making a fool of myself and rambling and rambling about the philosphy behind Jerseylicious. Do you try and engage your clients in conversation? What’s the weirdest topic someone has brought up?

Some people come to the shop just to talk and others are very quiet and I just know who they are and I follow their lead. We talk about everything and anything, I can't think of one topic that stands out as weird but I'm sure there have been plenty. Most conversations are sports and politics and sometimes can get quite heated.

You have one hour to do my hair—what would you do?

Whatever you wanted.

I'll hold you to that! Now, every so often you put up a sign saying you’re on vacation. What do you do on vacation? Travel anywhere interesting?

We usually go to Disney World with our grandchildren, but last year we decided to go without them and let me tell you it was very relaxing.  We also visit our other daughter out in San Jose, CA.

Disney World is one of my favorites! Mickey Mouse is actually my role model. Do you have any barber role models? 

My dad was and always will be the best role model for me. 

If you weren’t a barber, what would you be? 

Probably a fisherman.

I should have guessed from looking at the Blue Marlin in the shop! Thank you so much Sam!

I have a feeling if Sam had become a fisherman, he'd be on his boat still waving with one hand and catching one fish, two fish or even a blue fish in the other. A wave is a simple, friendly gesture but it has always stuck out to me as one of the many inviting details Collingswood has to offer. Even though Sam may not call Collingswood home, I have a feeling a lot of people here consider him a part of their home.