Oakwood residents saddened by closing of longtime barbershop

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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