Oakwood residents saddened by closing of longtime barbershop

The Oakwood Historical Society found several photos dating back more than 50 years of Schurman’s Barber Services, which recently closed its doors. CONTRIBUTED

The Oakwood Historical Society found several photos dating back more than 50 years of Schurman’s Barber Services, which recently closed its doors. CONTRIBUTED

A local barbershop that had been serving the community for decades is no longer operating, but many remember the business as something special in the community.

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Schurman’s Barber Service, 2533 Far Hills Avenue in Oakwood, closed its doors recently.

Shop owner Steve Toller said he’s closing the business for good after failing to reach an agreement on a lease with the new owners of the building.

Linda Pearson of the Oakwood Historical Society said it is a shame that the business is closing because it has a rich history in the community.

“Schurman’s was a very popular barbershop for a number of years in Oakwood,” she said. “We have photos dating back to the 1950s and 1960s of the barbershop.”

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Mark Risley, a longtime member and board member of the historical society, was able to unearth several photos of Schurman’s from decades ago. He said he’s been a loyal customer of the shop for more than 50 years.

“I am 67 years old, and I went there as a teenager,” he said. “Schurman’s is just about as much of a local icon as the Dorothy Lane Market.”

He said the quick closure came as a shock to many in the community, and people do feel a sense of loss.

“I hope Steve can find a place to open back up,” Risley said, adding with a laugh, “I need a haircut.”

Toller has not indicated what will happen next, but announced to his customers in a message, “We are looking for a place to set up a new shop and that will take some time. In the meantime, I am looking for a chair to rent to get into and start cutting some hair again.”

The Miami Valley Commercial Group, with whom Toller said he’s having the landlord/tenant dispute with, did not return a message seeking comment.

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Jennifer Wilder, director of personnel and properties for Oakwood, said it is always unfortunate when a small, successful business closes in the community.

“Schurman’s was a very well-liked business, and we are all saddened by its closure,” she said.

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