Retro Melody Corner ‘Cheers!’ — Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect

Cheers to Friday and that special Sea Bright corner in which many glasses were raised in a “TGIF! And here’s to good friends!”

The corner? That would be Melody Corner, an iconic go-to hangout for those friends, many of whom were RFH grads and locals. It sat in the spot that is now the troubled former Mad Hatter that never recovered after Superstorm Sandy and was recently foreclosed on. That’s the not-so-cheery present.

The past “Cheers!” feeling? Well, not only were glasses raised in many a happy-go-lucky toast in the tavern, but mighty cheery it was. Call it a happy go-to. The lucky part? That would be the safe, protected feeling a patron got when being greeted by the owner, the also iconic Ron Heinzman, who frequently referred to his bar customers as family — his “kids.” “That’s right!” as he’d say. “Whoopie!”

Mostly anyone who frequented, or even visited the place, would attest to that “Whoopie!” cheer in the atmosphere of the safe bar haven. OK, so it was the 1970s. Was there anything not to be happy about? Back then, the drinking age was 18. Remember that?

And while there were many polyester leisure suits to be sported — along with heavy, fashion disaster mustaches — there was also the classic, “What’s your sign?” pick-up line. And a pitcher of beer and a sandwich were pretty cheap. Come on! Those things alone have to make you want to crack a smile and toss one back for the ’70s team!

Ron used to make his own food, and it was mighty good. Check out the ad from 1977 when the bar was called the Sail Inn, still owned by Ron.

Who couldn’t gorge on all that goodness for a few bucks? Time machine, anyone?

As far as the featured photo, capturing the mood in the Corner goes, no one knows who the toasters are, but they look an awful lot like likely RFHers due to the preppy outfits. No leisure suits and polyester here. The RFH preppy look was always a mainstay. Never changed with the trends of the eras.

Ron kept the photos of Melody Corner stashed away. No one is sure who took them, but they are classic and were among his memorabilia which was shared by his family. We thank them.

So, TGIF and “Cheers!” to this Corner of the past in Sea Bright! Here’s to smooth sailing into the weekend!