Beard

“You’re thumbing a ride… but you’re in no rush,” Perry said. “Looking for a good time.”

Scott smirked, shifting his weight.

Perry glanced at him—took in the beard, the cutoffs, the sun on his chest. “Hop up on the rail a second.”

Scott did, easy, like he’d done it before.

“Yeah,” Perry said, lifting the camera. “You’ll get a ride.”

1. Unknown Model (probably not vintage, but great cover for today's theme)

The beard feels like a later arrival in this world. While mustaches and body hair show up throughout the mid-century, the full beard doesn’t really take hold until the ’70s—Vietnam, the counterculture, a shift in what masculinity could look like. It’s there in a few earlier images, but it really comes into its own in the Colt and Old Reliable years.

2. Forest Buehl (in sparkles)

3. Paul Baressi (feeling himself)

4. Richard Locke (tight squeeze - beautiful blue eyes here)

Today, it’s everywhere again. Walk into an Eagle bar and you’ll see it—beard, harness, maybe a shaved head to match. It’s become its own uniform, with barbers shaping it and oils keeping it just right.

5. Al Parker (pink and yellow bedding)

6. Mark Wolf (window nook)

7. Dick Trask (speedo)

I’ve worn one for years now, letting it go gray on its own to match the rest of me. My dad did the same, so I can’t help but see it as a certain kind of man—outdoors, a little rugged. And while I get the appeal of keeping it dark, there’s something about letting it age that feels… honest.

8. Judd Cooper (tube socks and a smile)

9. Mike Adams (Paramount)

10. George Dana (out for a hike)

Comments?

Please help me ID #1 and talk to me about men in beards.  Any comments welcome.