A story by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center Voices of Biddeford project from 1930s to current
An interview with Bert Gagne in 2023
Bert is a lifelong resident of Biddeford and the son of immigrants who came here from Quebec to find work.
A star athlete in high school, he became a well known barber, a profession he practiced for 60 years, starting in 1955. Working long hours, often starting at 5am and going into the evening, he worked 6 days a week and sometimes on Sundays.
He could name an endless list of people he knew from his work, from millworkers to the 50+ Lithuanian students who were brought to him from St. Anthony’s School in Kennebunkport.
Bert emphasized, "That’s my whole life, working" and he enjoyed it. He still found the time to coach sports and was involved in starting the West Biddeford Little League.
He has one son, Russ, from marriage to his first wife of 52 years, Connie. He feels fortunate after becoming a widower to have found Rachel, his current wife. He now benefits from his relationship with Rachel’s children and grandchildren, in addition to his two grandsons.
Interview highlights include: Growing up during the 1930s–1950s, being a busy guy even in youth: milking cows; helping out at his father's gas station while playing three sports and being an active member of the school band. Bert was a National Guard member for nine years, starting as a junior in high school. He talked about Connie, his high school sweetheart, and wife of 52 years; opening his own barbershop on Main Street and moving locations throughout the years, including four years in a small corner of the City Theater entrance, and selling real estate as a sideline. His interview also includes recollections of local businesses; changes in downtown; major fires; and community events; after the death of Connie, finding a special woman who is now his current wife- Rachel; why he hates the Beatles (hint: has to do with onset of long hair and impact on barbers!) and finding a new passion, painting, after a serious illness.
Recorded on October 21 and December 2, 2023.
View a transcript of this interview, more pictures, and additional information.
See more stories from the Voices of Biddeford project.
Bert Gagne: St. Louis High School star athlete
Bert in front of his father's filling station on Elm Street in Biddeford
Bert at his barber shop
