Local Life

Retro Belly-Up to an Iconic Sea Bright Bar

The 1970s scene at Sail Inn/Melodie’s Corner in Sea Bright
Photo/collection of Ron Heinzman, courtesy of family

Whoopie! That’s just what the former owner of the iconic Sail Inn and Melody Corner (same place) in Sea Bright would say to this belly-up scene at his bar from the 1970s.

That owner would be Ron Heinzman, owner of Ron’s West End Pub in more recent years (about 30) until his passing in 2010. Cheers to Ron!

Sail Inn, having incarnations as Melody Corner and now Mad Hatter, was and is an iconic spot. The joint was always jumping, as Ron would say. He was known to mingle with and really get to know his clientele, always smiling and offering a “Whoopie!” a “That’s right!” a song or an anecdote.

Ron is missed by many. He was a true host at his places and considered all who sailed into his niches family. He captured, and presided over many moments among his “kids” at the iconic Sail Inn.

The shot above, taken by a patron unknown photographer and given to Ron, is a classic 70s moment at Sail Inn. You can almost hear those guys asking “What’s your sign?” Ashtrays are strewn about the bar. Aviator glasses sported. Chest hair showing under that unzipped polyester shirt. Don’t forget, this was when the drinking age was 18.

Many RFHers hung out at Sail Inn. Some, years later, popped into Ron’s to say hello to the father of their first bar, essentially.

Looks like there’s a little flirting going on here. Most hokey pick-up line? Ever give someone a fake name and number? What was it?

Ahhhhh, the good ol’ Sail Inn days. Cheers to Friday night and a toast to the best times of the 70s in Sea Bright!

Thanks to Ron’s family for providing this classic look back from his photo collection!