In 1958, newly discharged Navy serviceman Elmer Santerre entered trade school with the hopes of becoming a barber. 

As he toured the Monadnock region looking for a place to open his own barbershop, he stumbled upon Wilton’s Main Street. According to Santerre, he approached the owner of 75 Main St. with the interest of buying the property. On Sept. 2, 1958, Elmer’s Barbershop was open for business, and the rest is history.

On Friday at 11 a.m., more than 20 community members gathered outside Elmer’s Barbershop for a surprise parade to celebrate Santerre’s 64 years of success on Main Street on his last day. As Santerre walked outside his shop, close friends, family and longtime customers from all over the region greeted him with hugs and handshakes, and even “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” To add to the surprise, the Wilton police and fire departments blared their sirens down Main Street, saluting Santerre along the way.

Santerre said he was grateful to receive such support from the community.

“I am surprised, I didn’t know anything about this,” he said.

As a longtime friend of Santerre, Deputy Town Administrator Janice Pack said Elmer’s Barbershop will always be remembered as a beacon on Main Street.

“I think it’s a continuity,” said Pack. “He’s a fixture on Main Street.”

Santerre has served thousands of customers in the Monadnock region, some of whom are second- or third-generation customers. To show his appreciation, second-generation customer Bob Edwards gathered an official commendation signed by Gov. Chris Sununu and a declaration signed by state House Speaker Sherman Packard to recognize Santerre’s dedication to the community and his service in the Navy during the Korean War.

With Santerre beside all of his supporters, Wilton Select Board member Kermit Williams read aloud both documents.

Edwards said he’s proud to have spearheaded the project in honor of Santerre.

“My family are third-generation customers, and I thought it would be a good idea to get some recognition for him,” he said.

After 64 years, Santerre, 88, said he’s still figuring out life’s next adventure.

“I like what I’m doing and hate to give it up,” said Santerre. “I’m not sure what’s  next.”

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