This is me by the arch in St. Louis about 2000. I wore a short beard for many years. I am trying to find when I had just the stache. I found one. This is me in 1976. I know it looks like 1876, but trust me, it is 1976.
Cookie duster: early 80s. Man, was I skinny back then. I actually wore a handlebar for a year or so in the late 80s.
In the late 80's, Jim, you were obviously ahead of your time! Growing up in the 60s, one of my mustachioed heroes was big Ben Davidson of the Oakland Raiders. Met him post-game once as a 7-year old. Nice guy, but boy, scary big (6'7") to me!
I suppose it's time to start the 'training program' here as well. Since I stopped trimming the 'stache several weeks ago, it's been 'free range' growth & starting to get a bit shaggy. Not quite the 'David Crosby' length yet…
One of the troubles I had with my goatee a few years ago was resisting the urge to trim it at that awkward stage before it was really ready to brush. Nice job.
My youngest, with whom I am having the 'handlebar' competition, was prepping to head off to the church yesterday morn (he works as part of the facilities team there) stopped by to show me his current 'stache…….two fully twisted waxed loops on his first handle bar. It looked great—although he still needs to grow out the rest to comb & train. I'm still weeks away….. I'll post a pic here of his mustache when I get a chance to capture it.
He was, as was I, trimming his mustache to keep it out of his mouth. So the upper lip growth is lagging behind the ends that are twisted. I bought him the little comb and the wax, so he's still has some upper lip training still to do. Pics coming…..
Still trying to capture my youngest when he has his handlebar in place. He's gotten very busy and hasn't taken the time to do the 'stache right… In the meantime, i'm still playing catch-up with him…. Doing a little 'hair-training' and so far, it is starting to cooperate. Still ragged, but patience, I tell myself, …patience!
Really should let my wife take the pics. I don't do selfies! Anyway, I put together a little tutorial ---> *click*