Mark Allen's Journal: Art's Barbershop

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Just take one look at how Art Stadler travels to and from work and you know, this guy is a character.

His motorized cart contraption takes Art and Peanut all the way from Brazil to Terre Haute everyday. And just when you get used to seeing Art's cart on the road, he gives the neighborhood their morning wake-up call and sounds the horn. Even at 7 a.m.

Art's barbershop used to sit near 19th and Maple and he loves to tell the history of the 100-year-old shop. And he enjoys a good time with his customers. Customers like Mickey, who is a regular here. And Mickey pokes fun at Art.

"He needs a little enjoyment in his life," Mickey said. But Art pokes back.

Before you know it, the two are laughing too hard to give a haircut or get one.

Then Mickey told us somethin gthat surprised even us at the Art Stadler character.

"I even go to church here," Mickey said.

Church in a barbershop? Yes, every Sunday.

"Let's just open the service with prayer."

And sure enough, come Sunday Art puts down his clippers, picks up his hymnbook and has church. And his wife plays the organ.

A few people gathered at the only church we know of where love matters most, but a good haircut can't hurt.

At six buck, Art Stadler can't be accused of charging much for a haircut these days. The fact is, he can't be accused of being dull either.

After a day of trims and clips, bowlcuts and buzzjobs, Art calls it a day. But ge'll be here in the morning. Just listen closely, and you'll hear him coming.