COLUMBUS, Ind. — Most people can’t even imagine performing the same job in the same building for 63 consecutive years.
But Columbus barber Bob Condon seems content performing his craft in the same shop where he’s worked since the year Alaska and Hawaii became states.
Barb Pruitt, who attends St. Bartholomew Church with Condon and taught his granddaughter in school, says she’s amazed that Condon always seems to working whenever she drives by Bob’s Barber Shop, 1521 17th St.
“The way he moves, as well as the stamina he seems to have, make him seem a lot younger,” Pruitt said. “He’s 91 years old! I mean, I know 60-year-olds who don’t hold up as well as Bob.”
Fitness deserves a certain amount of credit, Condon said. During the 49 years that he and his family lived near 17th and Beam Road, he would ride his bicycle back and forth from work during the warm weather months.
But after moving to Hiker Trace, Condon concluded that men his age have no business trying to cross National Road on a bicycle.
“U.S. 31 is a dangerous place, but I do go down to Donner Park now, and ride around the sidewalks,” Condon said. “I usually try to do some type of exercise every day.”
But in addition to his physical condition, Condon also displays a great personality at all times, Pruitt said.
“Bob always seems cheerful, has a smile on his face, and always greets people – whether he really knows them or not,” Pruitt said.
From Condon’s experience, work and social lives aren’t necessarily separate. Many customers are long-time friends who make a visit to his barber shop part of their normal routine, he said.
For the complete story, and more photos, see Tuesday’s Republic.
