A Few Questions for Bernardsville, New Jersey Locals
As our MLH team was researching a story, often another cool interesting story pops up. Sometimes we find the answer, sometimes we don’t. This is one of those stories. Bernardsville prior to 1924 was a hamlet of Bernards Township. Given all that’s happening in Bernardsville with their centennial celebration, there’s a bit of controversy regarding the possible demolition of what”s locally known as the Boylan house, a property that’s on the chopping block based on a recent approval of what’s known as the “Palmer Square Project.” We never knew that Boylan’s tavern back in mid-1700s would become Freddy’s Tavern over 200 years later in the 1980s. WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH THIS STORY.
Did you know, before the Old Stone Hotel was built, another tavern existed on the site known as Bullion’s or Boylan’s Tavern, which was kept or owned by John Boylan, also known as “Captain Bullion” during the American Revolution. John Beck, the first owner of the Old Stone Hotel, died in 1850, just one year after the Old Stone Hotel opened.
It seems that while the Boylan House may be demolished, Boylan’s tavern has not only survived but has grown. A chapter in the history of this tavern was a period in the 1980s when the name was Freddy’s Tavern, a restaurant and entertainment venue in the heart of Bernardsville.
Freddy’s Tavern History
The Boylans who built one of the three structures about 1751, were one of the founding settlers of what was known then as Vealtown at the base of the Bernardsville mountain. FYI many have stated that the Boylan name is pronounced “Bullion.”
Years later, after further ownership changes, the name was changed to the Old Stone Hotel. In 1978, Michael Lyons renovated the building and named it Freddy’s, after a fictitious old western character, Frederick T. Fasbuck. For many years the establishment hosted a live comedy night and musical entertainment. Lyons sold the restaurant to Nick Novello, Sr. in 1982 that lasted until 1996. The Sunday night comedy series was a big favorite bringing in new and upcoming comedians; Jerry Seinfeld, Gilbert Gottfried, Eddie Murphy, Rosie O’Donnell, Paul Reiser, and Chris Rock. Not bad for a venue that stuffed 75 attendees into that front room with the tiny stage.
So Who is Frederick “Freddy” T. Fasbuck
“Fast Buck Freddy” is a term often used to describe someone who is primarily focused on making money quickly and sometimes through dubious or unethical means. It’s typically used to refer to individuals who prioritize short-term financial gains over long-term sustainability or ethical considerations. The term implies a certain level of recklessness or disregard for consequences in the pursuit of profit.
We’re looking for anyone who has a story of this iconic Bernardsville former business. If you know anything about Frederick “Freddy” T. Fasbuck and how the name came to be, post a comment.
Then Rich Steinberg sent us this…… any relation? Hmmmmmmmm
Lyrics
He said hold a dollar bill up to the mirror
And I’ll show you something funny
It’s only a fast buck, but
It’s so hard to make that kind of money.
Now it’s hard to get serious when the joker
Is laughing
And by now the joker is wild
It’s hard to keep laughing when a rich man’s
Reflection
Looks like a gun that’s gonna smile
What’s going on, I ask you
What’s going on, can you see?
What’s going on, I ask you and
Who’s coming on, is it you or me?
Coming on while it’s still soft and warm
Burn it dry before the fiery storm
Sing it now while you still have a song
Grab on now while you’re still feeling strong.
How long, how long would you like it
How long, how long will it be
How long, how long can we take it?
How long before we take it back, you and me
Think fast.
I was thinking that I should be singing along
Think fast I think he’s coming through
Think fast, he thinks he’s running you
I was thinking that I should be singing along
Think fast, he thinks he’s coming in
Think fast, I think he’s wearing thin
I was thinking that I should be singing along
Think fast, he’s taking all your time
Think fast, you know he’s out of line
But who cares, you know you can, you will, you
Know you can.
Sing it now while you still
Sing it now while you still
Sing it now while you still have a song.
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Craig Chaquico / Grace Slick
Fast Buck Freddie lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Wixen Music Publishing
More Bernardsville History
