Come and sit awhile at Charlie’s Barber Shop and Shave

• From left, barbers Dick VanSomeren, his daughter Kari Roesler and Dann Setzer

From the left are barbers Dick VanSomeren, his daughter Kari Roesler and Dann Setzer. They recently joined owner Paul Rode in opening Charlie’s Barbershop and Shave which offers its customers more than just a haircut.
• Dick VanSomeren with daughter Kari Roesler

Taking after her dad, Dick VanSomeren, left, Kari Roesler, right, went to barber school right out of high school. The two bring a combined 81 years of experience to the time honored trade. Photo by Margaret Ontl

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You can turn back the time, with a high tech twist, by stopping in at Charlie’s Barbershop and Shave.

It is newest incarnation at 106 Buckeye St. Owner of the business, Paul Rode, has created an atmosphere out of the past with a vintage style décor, black and white tile, a padded church pew along with cribbage and backgammon boards ready for play.

In addition to three barber stations, Charlie’s, named for Rode’s daughter, offers free beverages and Wi-Fi. Strategically positioned are six HD big screen televisions on which the NFL ticket may be viewed.

These amenities are combined with a trio of hair trimming talent familiar to the Hudson. Dick VanSomeren, his daughter Kari Roesler and Dann Setzer. VanSomeren, a River Falls resident, has been a barber in the area for 53 years while his daughter Kari, following in her father’s footsteps, has been cutting hair for 28 years.

Roesler, who is also from River Falls, went to barber school when she was 18. Ten years later she graduated from cosmetology school resulting in her expanded skill set.

“I went just out of curiosity, to see the difference,” said Roesler, who is thrilled with her new location.

Each of the three barbers lease their chairs from Rode.

“Our shop has great views and it is great for families with the park and playground across the street,” said Roesler. “It is a nice place for a barber shop. Paul wanted to make it feel comfortable, like you can come down even if you don’t need a haircut. We just want it to be a fun place to hang out plus we give great haircuts.” No appointments are necessary.

Dann Setzer left a career in Montana in hospital administration suffering from burnout.

“It was my barber out there who suggested I might make a good barber,” said Setzer, who returned to the Twin Cities, attended barber school and discovered he was on to something. The native of Osseo, Minn., started cutting hair in 1993 and has lived in Hudson over six years.

“Since I came back from Montana, Hudson is the only place I have felt comfortable,” said Setzer. “I love it here. I never want to leave.”

VanSomeren comes from a family of barbers. His uncle, brother, father and grandfather all plied the trade. His grandfather once cut hair in Hudson with Sherman Olson. Along with his 53 years of experience behind a chair, his life on the golf course is notable as well. He presently teaches golf lessons by appointment at Clifton Highlands Golf Club.

Charlie’s Barbershop and Shave opened earlier this month at 106 Buckeye Street. Along with an atmosphere that is hard to beat, haircuts and shaves are the forte of the team.

“A hot lather straight edge shave is like a 20 minute vacation,” said Setzer.

Charlie’s Barbershop and Shave is open seven days a week; Monday thru Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information you may call 715-808-8048. Drop in, no appointments are necessary.

Tags: business, hudson, retail