New Barber Comes To Dayton

DAYTON - Men of Dayton will no longer have to drive to another county to have their hair trimmed and groomed. Ray Romero's expert hands will soon be at their service.

Beginning in January, the Milton-Freewater barber will open shop at 112 N. 1st Street in Dayton, in the former location of Steve's Barber Shop.

"We've passed through town quite a few times in the past and thought it was a very neat and quiet town," Romero said. "People have told us everyone here is very friendly and active in the community."

Steve Morris closed his shop this fall following a debilitating heart attack in August. Romero heard about the vacancy through several customers at his Headmaster's Barber Shop, at 15 S. Main in Milton-Freewater.

"We decided to give it a try," he said. "We're excited to meet new people, make new friends and work in a different environment. It's exciting."

Romero runs his barbering business on his own. His wife of 24 years, Angie, works for the state as a teacher's assistant in the special needs program in Milton-Freewater. The couple has four children including a 3 year old and three older children ages 13, 20 and 24.

Romero has been cutting hair in the area since he graduated from Pendleton College Hair Design 14 years ago. He's owned his shop in Milton-Freewater for 12 years.

Until he establishes a strong clientele base in Dayton, Romero will operate Ray's Barber Shop in town on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m.Bette Lou Crothers, who operates the State Farm business in Dayton and owns the building downtown where Romero will open shop, said she is excited to have a new tenant. She has had the floor redone and added more seating.

"It's wonderful to have a nice, young man with a family come into town," she said Monday.

Romero has lived and worked in the Milton-Freewater area for 32 years. He relocated there with his family at the age of 15. The family came from Mexico on a contract to work in regional farming.

The young barber has many interests outside the business. He operates a deejay service with his older sons, playing music for all the local dances. He livens up many local sweet 15 and 16 birthday parties and weddings, too, he said.

The family also enjoys camping, hiking, golfing, soccer, running and weight lifting.

Romero plans to open his Dayton location in mid-January. Prices will be $16 per haircut, or $14 for children under 10 and seniors.

To reach Romero, call 541-861-9344.