p. 17
The big break in L.S.’s life came when his dad inherited two thou-
sand dollars from a relative when L.S. graduated from High School.  
L.S.’s mother decided the money should be used to teach each 
child a trade and L.S. was sent to Portland to learn barbering at the 
Mohler Barber College (which I believe is still there).  L.S. told me 
he liked Portland because during his fi rst nights there he was able 
to sleep outdoors unmolested on the park benches on Park Street 
downtown, using newspapers to keep him warm.  He later made a 
deal to sleep in a bathroom at the Barber College.  He then got a job 
washing dishes at a hotel with a room as part of the compensation.  
He was astounded that graduates of the Barber College were able 
to make more money than he and his dad had working like slaves 
on the farm and he called for his father to come up and attend 
Barber College with him.  His dad stayed with him in his room.
Oral History MLS

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.