November marks a special anniversary for Tony Cavallaro, the owner and one of two haircutters at Tony's Barber Shop.

"Fifty years ago-November of 1964-is when I started cutting hair," said Cavallaro during a recent interview in his old-fashioned barber shop.

Fifty years later Cavallaro, along with Rich Santanelli, are still cutting the hair of Madison residents from the Main Street shop.

Some things have changed-it cost $2.50 for a haircut in 1964, and it costs $22 today-but a stroll through the small barber shop is clearly a trip back to the good ol' days.

The barber shop, located in the same location for the past 50 years smack in the middle of downtown, is equipped with two old-time barber chairs. In the back of the store is a mural of sports stars that have played for the Madison high school teams for the past half-century.

"I've cut the hair of three or four generations of people who live in this town," said Cavallaro. "Madison has been good to me. The town has taken good care of me, and I've taken good care of the town."

Hairstyles come and go, said Cavallaro. These days "short haircuts" are back in style, he said.

Other traditions that Cavallaro still keeps is "giving Tootsie Rolls to the children." He also hands out a first haircut certificate to young ones getting their first trimming.

Cavallaro has made some concessions to the aging process. He only works three days a week these days, while Santanelli works four. The two men make sure that the barber shop is covered for all customers five days a week, though. The shop is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The shop is closed on Wednesday and Sunday.

Cavallaro lives in Westbrook and is the father of four children. His wife passed away a few years back, so he spends his off time sprucing up the inside and outside of his home.

He said he has no intention of retiring completely. In fact, he said, he's looking forward to operating the barbershop when the town finishes its current downtown beautification project.

"They've only been talking about it for 35 years or so," he said. "Wheels turn slow, if you know what I mean.

"But I might as well be here, cutting hair, when it's finally done," he noted. "Like I said, I love the trade, love the people, love the town."