Ed Rath in his Hamlin Barber Shop in the 1930s. Provided photoEd Rath left a legacy to the people of the town of Hamlin. Better known as “The Barber,” he owned and operated the only barbershop in the town. He opened his business in 1932 and worked alone until the 1960s when his son, Richard Rath, joined him. Later on he would hire Peter LeSage. Although his son and Peter Le-Sage had moved onto different careers by 1979, Ed continued to run his country barbershop on his own. He was committed to providing and maintaining a service for his community.
Rath’s Barbershop was a successful and prominent business. It was a comfortable small town gathering spot complete with magazines, comic books, newspapers, a cooler filled with bottles of soft drinks and a display case full of candy bars (given to children after their haircut). On Monday afternoons, Ed would pack up his barber suitcase, and visit his customers who were in hospitals, nursing homes or confined to their homes. Each and every person was important to “The Barber.”
Barbershops were meeting places for news and opinions of the day. One of Ed’s favorite topics was politics. He was a proud Democrat who served as the town Democratic Leader for several years. His enthusiasm for serving the public led two of his sons, Robert Rath and Dale Rath, to pursue their political aspirations. His advice to sons: “Don’t forget that the working man is what this country is all about.”
Ed Rath was posthumously awarded the Hamlin Heritage Day Award on September 23 by Hamlin Town Supervisor Tom Breslawski. Dale Rath (right) accepted for the family members who were present at the Hamlin Town Historical Center on that Sunday afternoon.
Betty (Rath) Hugelmaier, Neal Rath, Dick Rath, Bing Rath.Ed and his wife, Anna, raised seven children. During World War II, German prisoners were held in a camp which is now Hamlin State Park. On many occasions Ed would accompany the Rev. Martin Mueller to the camp to conduct religious services for the POWs. He also provided barber services at the camp.
Ed Rath was a member of the Hamlin Volunteer Fire Department and supported their many fund raising activities. Recognizing the need for an ambulance for the town of Hamlin, Ed was responsible for getting the volunteer ambulance organized.
At family and community gatherings, Ed was always happy to entertain with his squeeze box (accordion) and harmonica. Deaf since age three, he played “by ear.”
On July 1, 1979 the residents of Hamlin showed their appreciation to “The Barber” in a day of celebration organized by the Hamlin Area Business Association. Ed Rath Day recognized his 50 years of service to the community. He rode proudly down Hamlin’s “Main Street” in a wagon drawn by Kruger’s Clydesdale horses and waved in awe to all the bystanders cheering his success. He was entertained by barbershop quartets and various speakers commending his accomplishments – a Special Day for a Special Man.
