YOUR SILENT NEIGHBORS
John L. Thivierge, Barber
by David K. Leff
Town Poet Laureate & Deputy Town Historian  

A barber who cut the hair of three generations of people in Collinsville, John L. Thivierge (1897-1976) was a native of East Douglas, Massachusetts, having worked three years as a barber before coming here.  For twelve years he was employed in the Collinsville barber shop of Delora Barcelou before going into business for himself on Main Street.  After decades, he sold his business to Ben Powell, a New Road resident. 

Thivierge was a member of the Village Lodge of Masons and the Waquaheag Tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men.  He was a charter member of the Canton Lions Club, and belonged to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. 

Married to Augusta Yeske of Burlington, the couple had two daughters who never left home, Aurilie and Dolores.  From about 1960, the family lived at 3 Maple Avenue at the corner of Johnson Place.  Aurilie died in 2017 and Delores in 2012. 

John L. Thivierge is buried beside his wife and daughters in the Village Cemetery, Collinsville. 

“Your Silent Neighbors” introduces readers to people out of Canton’s past.  Readers are encouraged to visit these gravesites and pay their respects to the people who have helped make our community what it is today.