The Solon Public Library is pleased to welcome back curator and storyteller Doris Montag for another engaging presentation in her popular History of Ordinary Things series. This time, Doris turns her attention to the fascinating—and sometimes funny—history of men’s hair and shaving traditions.

In her program, Men & Their Hair: A Story of History and Artifacts of Barbering, Doris will showcase an extensive collection of shaving artifacts dating back to the 1800s, including straight razors, leather strops, shaving cups, and soaps. She will also trace the evolution of grooming through King Camp Gillette’s invention of the safety razor and the mechanical strops of the early 1900s.

Along the way, Doris will share insights into the advent of barbering as a profession and the ever-changing trends of men’s beards and hairstyles—all delivered in her trademark storytelling style, with humor and charm.

Event Details:

Thursday, October 2, 10:30 a.m. at Solon Public Library, 320 W. Main St, Solon, Iowa.

This program is free and open to the public. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover how the simple act of shaving tells a bigger story about culture, fashion, and everyday life.

For more information, contact the Solon Public Library at 319-624-2678 or [email protected].