Title

Barber chair

Creation Date

1871 – 1966

Description

Barber's chair donated by Harry P. Aslagson who was given the chair by Carl B. Klevann in 1946 who bought it in 1921. It was made by the Theo. Koch company. (The Koch company began in 1871) In a letter to Harry Aslagson, Carl shared the story of the chair, "When John Fox worked for my father he told me about a farmer between Kensington and Farwell that had an old barber chair that was not in use anymore. And that this farmer would sell it. He did not mention the name of the farmer that I can recall. But he went along with me to show me where he lived. Well, after talking to the farmer we got together on the price and I bought it. So we loaded it into the car and took it home. This chair was manufactured by the Koch's Company ... I bought it in 1923 and it was considered way out of date at that time. The chair has the 'four wooden leg' base, which we know had not been used for many years prior to the time I acquired it. It is a revolving type, and has a hydraulic lift operated by a foot pedal instead of a lever on the side like our modern chairs. The upholstery was in plush. Putting all this information together I would venture to say that the chair was made and sold in the 1800's. I am sure that is was bought new for use in Pope County, and that it has been in Pope County ever since." The last person to have a hair cut in this chair was Kayo Aslagson of Starbuck, Minnesota.