Not A Razor Was Left

MANATT, DITZLER, SPAULDING

Posted By: Marilyn Norris Holmes (email)
Date: 3/30/2013 at 17:25:40

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Sept. 19, 1916

NOT A RAZOR WAS LEFT
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ART MANATT'S SHOP IS ROBBED
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New Barber Plays Clever Ruse and
Succeeds in Getting Away
With Supplies.
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A sadly depleted stock of barber supplies greeted the startled gaze of Art Manatt when he opened his barber shop for the day's business on Monday morning of last week. Thirteen razors, a number of pairs of shears, clippers, razor strops, and even hair dusters, were gone from their customary places on the cases. By an odd coincidence, a barber named LeRoy, who had been working for Art, was gone also, and so far neither the man nor the supplies has returned to solve the mystery. Mr. Manatt says he has grave doubts that either will ever come back.

Leroy came here a few weeks ago, and as he was a nice looking fellow and a good barber, he was given work at Manatt's shop. He asked Art, on several occasions for a key to the shop, saying that he wished to read there on Sunday afternoons. Art was taking no chances with the stranger and refused to give up the much-desired key. Last Sunday "Johnny" Ditzler, who shines shoes and acts as porter at Manatt's, was in the shop. LeRoy happened in, and evidently saw his opportunity. He sent "Johnny" outside on the important mission of buying a package of gum, and then he went to work. He had no suitcase, but his pockets much have been large and roomy, judging by the amount of goods taken.

F.E. Spaulding had a razor in the shop, which was not touched, and this was the only razor that escaped. The only way that Art Manatt can account for this strange oversight is that LeRoy failed to notice it.