HAIR ONLY PLEASE | The barber pole outside Ken's in Randolph is an ancient trade sign with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The symbol of helical red and white stripes on a round pole is recognized internationally, though the red white and blue is now predominant in the United States. Though now signifying only hair cutting establishments, the sign has connections to a time when barbers were expected to perform bloodletting and other medical procedures. This particular pole is manufactured by William Marvy of St. Paul, Minnesota, who started making poles in 1950. Today, Marvy is the sole maker in the country, manufacturing only about 500 annually. (Herald /Bob Eddy)