A Cut Ahead

You could say that Dale Moyer has the perfect job. 

He walks to work from home, which is just a few steps away, sets his own hours, always has Mondays off and, sometimes, his wife even delivers his meals. There are no long commutes, no weather-related travel considerations, and all his work comes to him.

The sign for Dale's Barber Shop, with a pole of helix red, white and blue, has been a familiar sight along Forty Foot Road for more than 50 years. Those stopping at the traffic light can oftentimes observe Moyer, busy at his trade, inside his shop, which is attached to his home.

Although Moyer isn’t a barber to the stars, he has taken a little off the top of the mayor of Hatfield, local doctors, ministers and generations of families—including five of the Clemens family, and his own children, starting at two weeks of age. 

Moyer’s grandfather, who was a barber in Sellersville, influenced his decision to become a barber. 

After graduating from the Cal-Mir School of Barbering in Philadelphia in May 1958, he began his lengthy career by working for Titus (Skeets) Schrauger in the same location where he plies his craft to this day. 

In 1966, Schrauger sold the house and business to Moyer, and they switched roles. 

Growing up in nearby Sellersville, Moyer’s roots are firmly established in the area, and he is an active member of the community. 

You can find him volunteering for the sewer authority, revitalization committee, chamber of commerce, and his church—Grace Lutheran.

“The friends and talking to people," said Moyer about the best things about being a barber. "I have had some customers for many years. I can walk to work.” 

Touching on the worst part of the job required a great deal of thought because he doesn’t feel that there are any bad parts, but he did reveal that standing all day takes a toll on his back and legs, and the repetitive motion involved in his vocation has resulted in carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Moyer’s barber shop also serves as a display area for his varied collection of numerous eagles. Eagles of assorted sizes, shapes and styles grace the walls, along with a mixing of things red, white and blue. 

“I am very patriotic,” said Moyer. 

Moyer is a proud veteran of the Army, serving from 1961 through 1963 as a clerk at Fort Knox, while cutting hair on the side.  A cherished flag adorns one area of his shop—a bittersweet memory of his father that lost his life in the Battle of the Bulge.

At the present time, Moyer professed that he is semi-retired and has scaled back his 12-hours-a-day, five-day-a-week schedule to Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Being semi-retired has afforded Moyer more time to spend with his wife of 46 years, Mary Jane, and his grandchild. It has also allowed for some occasional travel.       

Moyer’s youthful appearance, quick wit and humor are proof that his life work agrees with him. Now, don’t you wish that we were all so lucky?

Dale’s Barber Shop is located at 14 W. Broad St. in Hatfield. His hours are by appointment only, and you may reach him at 215-855-2483.