Walls DO Talk
The Barber Den has collected so much sports and other memorabilia over the years. Items shift here, there, are removed and sometimes returned, based on popularity. Back in the day, Dennis displayed whiskey decanters in the shape of train cars. When he retired, they were replaced, and now they have returned to once again grace the walls. I believe the only difference now is that they are empty. (chug). We'd like to add a post now and then describing the various items that can be viewed in the shop.
SO THE BRONCOS LOST…
What’s next? It’s been 7 years since the Broncos made the playoffs. There are many reasons for that, but for the diehard fans out there, no reason is acceptable. New coaches, new staff, new QB’s, and the results have still been dismal.
Customers at the Barber Den are very familiar with their barbers’ love of the Broncos through the years. There’s always shop talk about the new season, the draft possibilities, the expectations of that next AFC Championship and another Super Bowl
win. We know it will happen – it has before, and as Phil says, “There are no fair-weather fans at The Den. Win or lose, Orange and Blue, through and through!” To that end, let’s go back to some brighter times when the orange and blue shone on the field, in the sky and in the hearts of the fans.
BACK-TO-BACK SUPER BOWLS
Remember that? After 4 previous Super Bowl losses, Denver was flying high with the 1-2 punch of John Elway and Terrell Davis, crushing the competition in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII. Super Bowl rings were being handed out like flags on the 4th of July! Davis was MVP in 1998 and Elway in 1999. Sports talk was all about Coach Mike Shanahan and those amazing Broncos. Invincible! Unbeatable!
SUPER BOWL 50
Ok, so there were a few lean years between Super Bowl 33 and 50. There were playoff wins and losses, but not until Super Bowl 50 did Denver’s Defense with leading LB DeMarcus Ware, put down the Carolina Panthers to take the Broncos all the way to a win. LB Von Miller was on fire with 2.5 sacks, 6 tackles and 2 forced fumbles, cinching the MVP title. At nearly 40, QB Peyton Manning retired on top, winning his second Super Bowl, the first being with the Indianapolis Colts.
Next time you visit The Barber Den, take a little time to check out all the sports memorabilia covering the walls. You never know when you might find yourself in the middle of some winning moments!
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The Barber Den is proud to display items from customers, barbers and family members who have served in all branches of the US Military. Every picture and memento tells a story - a plane someone flew, a commendation or award that was received, even a "counterfeit" Purple Heart that we'll share as a story in itself one of these days.
Just a few tales -
- The folded flag in the center flew on a combat mission in Afghanistan with the "Moondogs". The plaque to its left was presented to The Barber Den by Pilot Robert. Robert, his son and dad all are long time customers.
- Max and his police dog Fenji served in Afghanistan and sadly, did not return to civilian life.
- Ron was a Marine who hated water. He flew a Vought F4U Corsair in Korea and didn't think he would have to deal with water until his landing strip was an aircraft carrier.
- Lynn, now 90, fought in the South Pacific and drove duckboats to and from the shoreline. Lou transported tanks to the front lines. Jan honed his barbering skills on board a ship. Craig nearly froze his butt off walking the flight line in Minot. He's now a retired Denver cop.
Not all the remembrances are great, but what is great is hearing customers talk about their time in service to our country. They are heroes, each and every one of them.
History of Veterans Day
(from the 
US Dept of Veterans Affairs)
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” The significance of the date also ensures that it will always be commemorated on November 11th and not turned into a "Monday" holiday.
Today is a day to remember those who have served our country, sacrificing their own personal freedoms so that we might live freely. The Wounded Warrior Project is a worthwhile organization that provides programs and services to those wounded in military service on or since September 11, 2001. Consider honoring the veterans in your life by giving to this or another service-related organization.
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Welcome aboard the Barber Den Express!
This little beauty has been running in the shop for several years. It was installed by Conductor Phil who will start it up and get it rolling anytime you ask. The scenery backdrop was painted by Dennis Walters.