Barbering was a second career for Chelesvig, one he loved, excelled at and now leaves for an active retirement.

He graduated from Webster City High School in 1977 and he farmed with his father for 23 years. But he began realizing he needed to make a change. He enrolled at the American College of Hair Styling in Des Moines in 2001, and a year later was cutting hair at Dick Owens’ Barber Shop, downtown.

Chelesvig’s shop is called simply, “The Barber Shop.” Here, the “rules” haven’t changed in the last 50 years; you drop by, wait your turn, get your hair cut, pay, and leave.

Most customers are there for the same thing: a regular haircut. In other words, shorter on the sides and in the back; a little more on top to comb or part.

Hours at the shop are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

“It gets busy in here about 9:15,” Chelesvig said. But coming in early gives him time to check phone messages, Facebook posts, some favorite YouTube channels, and have some coffee.

“We don’t take appointments, we’re walk-in only,” he explained. “Customers prefer it that way. They’ll drive by to check the number of cars in the parking lot, and come back when it’s not so busy.”

There are two chairs in the shop, both bought new by Dick Owens in 1962. Chelesvig prefers the older chairs, and recently had them re-upholstered.

“They hold up better,” Chelesvig explained. With proper care, he expects them to last many years into the future.

The shop decor runs to cars and sports. Magazines available to patrons waiting their turn in the chair include Mustang Times, Vintage Truck and Antique Power for the tractor fans.

Regular haircuts cost $15. Chelsvig hasn’t raised rates in 10 years.

“That may have to change sometime in the future,” he said.

Amy Livasy, who joined Chelesvig in the shop a year ago confirmed that thought.

“$30 is a pretty typical price in Fort Dodge,” Livasy, who has cut hair for 20 years, will take over the shop when Chelesvig retires, but “doesn’t plan to change a thing.”

Some readers may remember Ray Oldenburg’s 1989 book, “The Great Good Place.” In it he introduced the idea of “the third place,” informal gathering spots like cafes, bars, and community centers. In third places you’re on neutral ground, free from the conventions of home or work. The focus is on conversation, and that means a welcome break from digital America.

At the barber shop, you’re more than a Facebook friend, an email contact, or just another name in a smart phone. Here, you can remind yourself you’re alive.

Customers come to Chelesvig’s shop to get their hair cut, but other attributes make it a great third space. Trust is high on the list. If you let a barber run a straight razor along your neck, you’ll probably also trust that what you say in the shop stays there.

“Many people think a barber shop is a center for gossip, but we’re pretty quiet in here,” Chelesvig said. “We leave the gossip to the Hy-Vee coffee groups.”

Russ has moved with the times to build that trust with younger generations.

“Lots of younger guys like a wet shave, and many also appreciate nose, ear and eyebrow waxing, which we do for $10,” he said.

Chelesvig isn’t ready for a rocking chair. He plans to help out his father, Tom, 93, who’s still farming. He also plans to closely follow the career of grandson Aksel Chelesvig, whom he describes as “an elite lacrosse player in Middleton, Wisconsin.”

Chelesvig expressed gratitude for all the loyal patrons he’s served over the years, some since 2002, and many from surrounding towns and counties. He invites all of them to stop by before the end of the month.

Chelesvig became philosophical for a moment.

“Barbering is hard work, standing on your feet all day,” Chelesvig said. “But there’s still a place for an old-fashioned barber shop. It’s a valuable service, and customers like the old-fashioned ways.”