In response to Jim Dodson's Sept. 10 column concerning barbers in Pinehurst: As an 83-year-old native, I should like to add my history of barbers.

Yes, Pinehurst has had several barbers over the years. I recall Mr. Montesanti, who was my first barber. He was the father of my friend, the recently deceased Joe Montesanti.

Tom Horner ran a barber shop under Carolina Bank for years. Tom came home from military service in Europe and attended barber college in Durham under the GI bill. My oldest son, David, now 58, had his first haircut by Tom Horner.

Other barbers who have cut my hair were Mr. Watson, a very religious man and a nice gentleman; Ollie Adcox from the well-known Adcox family also was at Tom's barber shop.

A haircut, 50 years ago, was $1. Now it is much, much more. Where my curly hair once grew, at my advanced age, I have a slick spot, and it is a blessing for it conserves my retirement money.

Ed Black

Mt. Gilead