Mapleton Township in West Fargo in Cass County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

U-R Next Barbershop

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025

1. U-R Next Barbershop Marker

Inscription. The U-R Next Barbershop first operated in 1900 as W. J. Frederick's "City Tonsorial Parlor" in Buffalo, North Dakota. It was located on a corner lot where the R. Stiles Hotel once stood in 1879 for settlers who came to file land claims. In 1909, Lewis Easton bought and operated the shop.

Lewis' grandfather, Andrew Easton, moved to Dakota Territory in Fall 1879 for a tree claim in the Hill Township. Andrew had served in the Civil War from October 1861 to March 1864 until his discharge and traveled into the Midwest for open land like many Civil War veterans. Lewis' father, Charles, was born in the Hill Township and moved to Harvey, ND to work for the Soo Line Railroad. Charles' work with the railroad moved him to Buffalo, ND and later Tower City, ND. Lewis Easton was born in Tower City in 1889 and learned the barber trade from his Uncle James Easton. Lewis moved to Buffalo, ND in 1909 and operated the U-R Next Barbershop until 1966. With no running water in the town, the barbershop supplied its own through a large galvanized tub on the roof filled each day with a bucket and piped inside to a sink and bathtub. After Lewis

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died, his wife Alfreda sold the shop to the Associated Master Barbers for Fargo who donated it to Bonanzaville in 1969 with its original furnishings.

(Caption)
U-R Next Barbershop Interior, ca 1909

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 46° 52.591′ N, 96° 55.679′ W. Marker is in West Fargo, North Dakota, in Cass County. It is in Mapleton Township. It is on Main Avenue West (U.S. 10) east of 21st Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east. The marker and barbershop are located at Bonanzaville USA Historic Museum and Pioneer Village. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1351 Main Avenue W, West Fargo ND 58078, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Red River Valley

and in Greater Fargo Area.

It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in

U-R Next Barbershop. Marker is to the right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025

2. U-R Next Barbershop. Marker is to the right

what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: UR Next Barber Shop (here, next to this marker); Kathryn Depot (a few steps from this marker); Maier House (a few steps from this marker); Hunter Times (a few steps from this marker); Fargo's First House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fargo's First House (within shouting distance of this marker); Furnberg Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Harness Shop (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Fargo.

U-R Next Barbershop interior with original furnishings image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025

3. U-R Next Barbershop interior with original furnishings

Mug Racks with personal shaving mugs of customers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 27, 2025

4. Mug Racks with personal shaving mugs of customers

Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 281 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 14, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.