New Martinsville barber Ray Mossor is the subject of an article in the new issue of Goldenseal magazine, now on sale. The article is titled, “Shave and a $6 Haircut in New Martinsville,” and is written by freelance author and photographer Carl E. Feather as part of his ongoing West Virginia Back Roads series in the magazine.

According to Feather, Sistersville resident Ray Mossor began barbering in the 1940s, after his older brother, Frank Mossor, joined the military. The elder Mossor had been providing local haircuts, and Ray stepped into this role in Frank’s absence. A half-century later, Ray Mossor still cuts hair for the men of Wetzel and Tyler counties, at the old-fashioned price of $6 for a regular haircut. “I don’t like to rob people,” said the 87-year-old barber.

Ray Mossor has been at his 223 North Street location in downtown New Martinsville since 1962. According to Mossor, “I’ve always said I hope to barber until I’m 100, then travel around.” He is open most days, and no appointment is necessary.

Elsewhere in this issue are stories about the history of the Berkeley Castle, a Morgan County landmark; the traditions of the Belgian community in South Charleston; a visit to the 2011 Bluefield Coal Show; and an interview with environmental activist Larry Gibson of Kayford.

GOLDENSEAL is West Virginia’s magazine of traditional life and is published quarterly by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History in Charleston. The magazine sells for $5.95 and is available at Witschey’s Market, at Hundred Farm Supply in Hundred, at Did’s Designs in Middlebourne, or by calling (304)558-0220, ext. 153; on-line at www.wvculture.org/goldenseal.

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History is an agency within the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts with Kay Goodwin, Secretary. The Division, led by Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith, brings together the past, present and future through programs and services focusing on archives and history, art, historic preservation and museums. The Division of Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.