There’s nothing tentative about Larry Watkins’ movement or speech.

His voice doesn’t sound 84 years old. He replies quickly to questions and moves with practiced efficiency around the dated but clean linoleum tile floor of Dale’s Barber Shop, located in a nondescript alleyway near the intersection of Monroe Street and Main Street in Sylvania.

A customer, Jakob Brand, came in and announced his sister was getting married Saturday and he wasn’t sure what kind of haircut he wanted.

“I’ll make you pretty,” Mr. Watkins joked as Mr. Brand sat down in the chair on Thursday afternoon. “Handsome, I mean.”

Working quickly but precisely with scissors and a well-used steel-sheathed electric clipper, he made good on his promise in 10 minutes, collected $15 from his customer, and sent him off, newly

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