Local Barber Celebrates 65 Years of Cutting Hair
Orlan Rokke enrolled in barber college days after graduating high school in 1961 and has been at it ever since.
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Orlan Rokke’s haircutting career began with the same type of motivation that starts many a great journey – why not?
“I was 17 years old. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” he said with a laugh. “A neighbor friend came to Fargo, went to barber college, and said he kind of enjoyed it, so I thought ‘Well, I’ll give that a try too.’ So that’s what happened.”
That moment set in motion 65 continuous years of work – many of them taking place in his quaint, inauspicious barbershop in Village West, where he’s been since 1984.
Rokke says he’s seen seismic changes in the city through the window of his establishment.
“When I first moved in here, I could look to the west and see the water tower in West Fargo. And that’s a ways out there,” he said.
He’s loved interacting with the people whose hair he cuts – many of whom become regulars, drawn in by his approachable demeanor and straightforward style.
When asked why he’s still trucking along at 82, Orlan says he just doesn’t like the idea of doing nothing.
“I still like it, I guess. I gotta have something to do,” he said.
Which means – he’ll likely be at it for a good while longer.
If you’re interested in grabbing a haircut from Orlan, Village West Barber Stylists is open Tuesday through Saturday.
He accepts appointments as well as walk-ins.
