SOUTHINGTON, Ohio — Southington resident Nick Rider has visited barber Martha “Polly” Dulka at her home barbershop for the past 20 years.
Polly is sort of a celebrity in this rural community in Trumbull County.
She showed off an article about her from the 1950s, when she was believed to be the only female barber in the county.
Now, the 93-year-old still cuts hair three times a week and recently celebrated 75 years as a barber.
“Graduated from school and went to barber school. Opened the shop and I didn’t know if I was going to get any haircuts because I was a woman,” Polly Dulka said. “And there was a man by the name of Elmer Lather, he had been cutting the hair in Southington, and told the men, get down there and patronize the lady. We have a new business in town.”
The man in the photo is her beloved husband of 73 years Ed Dulka, who passed away in 2022.
He also joined his wife as a barber for 10 years and helped raise 13 children, which include their adopted and fostered children.
“He brought in humor and happiness to the barbershop, and we just enjoyed the people so much,” Polly Dulka said. “The barbershop was the love of my life, but the kids were more important.”
Her son Ed may hold the title of her longest customer. He says the barbershop business has kept her young at heart.
“This is her joy in life, this is one thing that keeps her going. It’s her social life to a degree. You know Nick comes down, different customers she’s known for 40, 50 years,” said Ed Dulka.
When asked about the key to her longevity, she said she’s always on the move.
“Keeping busy, probably. I was always busy. The barbershop has been an enjoyment. It’s just been a part of my life, and I love the people,” she said. “I love this old guy (Nick).”
