His customers have included actor Paul Newman, Beer Magnate August Busch III, and singer and Lettermen founder Tony Butala. Manitowoc barber, Leon Soeldner, retired recently after 55 years in the business, including the last 38-years at South 10th and Hamilton Streets.
Southside Barbershop’s closure and Soeldner’s retirement were hastened by a health emergency last summer.
“It started in August of 2020 and it was a beautiful summer morning,” he recalled. “I was in the shower, I collapsed and laid on the floor.” His gall bladder exploded and next door was his pancreas which began to leak, there again poisoning the system. “I lost 50 pounds or so and couldn’t come back as I was advised by medical people that it was better for my health if I retired.”
There were blood clots and stays in local and state hospitals and nursing homes, but Leon’s gained back 50-pounds he lost and now feels good.
As for his most memorable customer, Soeldner explains he was also a booking agent for Lake Michigan Fishing Charters in 1982 when Jerry Demsky & his client pulled up to the barbershop in the early evening after a charter boat excursion.
“He walked in with this other guy that had sunglasses on with a jacket and a hat,” Soledner said. “Jerry said there’s somebody here who wants to meet you. He took his sunglasses off and it was Paul Newman. I actually cut Paul Newman’s hair. No pictures, just friendly conversation as I respected his privacy. But, when you have someone that’s twice the size of life, standing next to you, shaking his hand and giving him a hug it’s memorable, to say the least.”
The question was asked, “how many haircuts do you think you’ve given since you picked up the clipper and scissors in 1965?” Leon explained that “One of my techie young friends one night sat here and asked have you ever figured out how many you’ve cut. He said no but if you take this many cuts times how many times a week. Anyway, they figured it out over a million cuts during his 50th anniversary year.”
There were many other haircuts given since that time, of course, but the illness curtailed Leon’s career, forcing him to close the shop late last year, despite the best efforts of his 2 employees Joan Pratt and April Pitrowski.
Someone has purchased the building and is using it as an investment.
In looking back over his career, Soeldner reminisces “it’s been quite a ride that most people don’t get to do”. He anticipates charitable and volunteer work is the plan for him in the future.
