It's funny how beards have become so popular in the last few years.
And I don't mean the usual goatees or well-trimmed beards that never seem to go out of style. I mean long beards. Lumberjack-quality beards. Beards that would be right at home on one of the Smith Brothers (shown above).
I'm not a big fan of them. Not because I can't grow one (I think I could); it's just that I think the really long ones are almost cartoonish.
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From the Warner Bros. Bugs Bunny cartoon, "Hillbilly Hare" |
But they're in style, so that's that.
Anyway, back in the 1950s, many villages, communities, etc. were celebrating centennials. And to commemorate the occasion, they sponsored beard-growing contests, so that the applicants would end up resembling their pioneer ancestors.
Back in May 1955, the Lorain County Centennial Fair was only a few months away. Of course, part of of the festivities involved – what else? – a beard growing contest. Below is the small article that appeared on the front page of the May 5, 1955 Lorain Journal.
As you can see, there were three categories: the Mutton Chops (suddenly I'm a little hungry); the Abe Lincoln; and the combination
spade and Van Dyke. And each entrant had to submit proof that they were clean-shaven at the time of application (by way of a note from a barber).
The cash prizes were nothing to shake a beard at, either.
Ironically, at that exact time, a beard-related plot was playing out in the Gasoline Alley comic strip beginning the week of May 2, 1955. Walt Wallet was growing one for some kind of centennial, and taking a lot of abuse from friends and family for doing it.