Dave's Barber Shop --   Friendliest barber shop in town    by Olivia Richards,  Herman Review    I wonder how many haircuts Dave "Ozzie" Austvold has given since he picked up the clippers and comb in 1963? That's when he graduated from barber school in Minneapolis. School lasted for six months, but apprenticeship took 15 months to complete.     The barber business was brisk on a Saturday night back in the '30s and '40s, when the country folk came to town. Earl Newberger and George Leigh both operated barber shops. Jack Newberger, Earl's father, pioneered the barber business in Herman in the late 1880s. In the 1920s Earl took over, then later in the 1950s, Earl's son, Wally became the town barber.     After barber school, Ozzie came back to Herman in 1964 and started his barbering career in the Newberger shop. The winding, striped barber pole, signaling a barber shop, remained on the Newberger building located beneath the First National Bank facing Highway 27 until Ozzie moved the business to the square building behind the drug store in the 1980s, his current location. That's where Ozzie can be found on most afternoons. If business is a little slow, he's probably over at Denny's Cafe having coffee. After "his way of shaking" for the coffee, win or lose, he'll go back to the shop.     Barbering all day is cut short since Ozzie spends the morning and early afternoon delivering mail to rural patrons. He started at the Herman post office in December, 1998.     Ozzie and his wife, Sharon, raised two children, Mike and Kirsten Kleven. Both children are married and have presented them with four grandchildren, three girls and a boy.     Ozzie grew up in rural Herman and graduated from high school in 1958. Community minded, he is a member of the Herman American Legion and a board member for the Grant County Fair. He has been the chief organizer of the annual parade during the fair for many years, and superintendent of the commercial exhibits. He was a member of the National Guard before attending barber school. He was inducted into the Odd Fellows Hall of Fame in 2000, sharing the honor with Pat Smith. He was also a member of the Herman Fire Department.     Ozzie has two barber chairs in the shop, and four chairs to seat waiting customers. Upon my arrival for the interview, Ozzie was giving Willard Giese the finishing touches on his haircut. Giving Ozzie his vote of confidence for his work, he said, "He's a good barber. I really like him." The chairs for seating were empty, but it didn't take long before three men came through the door. Sterling Luikens stopped by just to visit it seemed, seating himself in the empty barber chair, since he had had a haircut last week. Paul Raths, who seemed to be next, quickly stated, "I go to Morris." That left Duane Hamele. Apparently he was there for a haircut.     If you need a subject for conversation, just bring up the Minnesota Twins. Ozzie is an avid fan, if there ever was one! Win or lose, Ozzie is known to break into song, singing the "Minnesota Twins Theme Song," when he arrives for early morning coffee at Denny's.     People who know Ozzie well, characterize him as adventurous, fun-loving, and he gets by with harassing everyone. You can stop by for a haircut after 2:30 p.m. and he'll stay as long as it takes to serve his customers. "I've got my own key," he said. Even though you don't need an appointment, you can make one by calling 677-8800.     Back to top of page     Home   Location   Agriculture   Business   Education   Recreation   Churches   City of Herman   Development  History   Keep in Touch   Got Photos?   Herman, USA   Area Links