A Few Questions for Bernardsville, New Jersey Locals
As our MLH team was researching a story, another cool, interesting story often pops up. Sometimes we find the answer, sometimes we don’t. This is one of those stories. Before 1924, Bernardsville was a hamlet of Bernards Township. Given all that’s happening in Bernardsville with their centennial celebration, there’s some controversy over the possible demolition of what’s locally known as the Boylan house, a property on the chopping block following the recent approval of the “Palmer Square Project.” We never knew that Boylan’s Tavern, back in the mid-1700s, would become Freddy’s Tavern over 200 years later, in the 1980s. WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH THIS STORY.
Did you know that before the Old Stone Hotel was built, another tavern existed on the site, known as Bullion’s or Boylan’s Tavern, which was 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,Tavernn’s Tavern has not only survived but has grown. A chapter of the Tavern’s history was the 1980s, when it was known as 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 among the founding settlers of what was then known 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 fictional Old West 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; it operated 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. The comedy is presented cabaret style, with entertainment spotlighted on a small stage and the audience seated at small round tables. There is usually a cover charge of $3 or $4.
Freddy’s had evolved into far more than a neighborhood tavern. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, it had become one of the Somerset Hills’ liveliest nightlife destinations, blending the feel of a comedy club, cabaret, and local music hall under one roof. Comedy nights had become so successful that the owners installed a closed-circuit television system, allowing patrons seated at the bar and in adjoining dining rooms to watch and hear the performances even when the main room was packed. Shows were staged cabaret style, with comedians and entertainers performing on a small stage before audiences seated at intimate round tables, typically for a modest $3 or $4 cover charge.
Live music filled much of the rest of the week. Freddy’s regularly featured popular New Jersey-based bands that brought their own loyal followings into Bernardsville, mixing with local regulars who crowded the tavern on weekends. Audiences could hear everything from Top 40 hits and rhythm and blues to Texas Swing and the popular “Big Chill” sound of groups like the Intentions from the Madison and Chatham area. On busy nights, Freddy’s became a noisy, energetic gathering place where music, laughter, and packed crowds transformed the old tavern into one of the area’s best-known entertainment spots.
So, who is Frederick “Freddy” T. Fasbuck
“Fast Buck Freddy” is a term often used to describe someone primarily focused on making money quickly, 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 about this iconic former Bernardsville 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 to 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 can.
Sing it now while you still can.
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
Final Freddy’s Memory
Instead of video games in the lobby, Freddy’s installed a new novel device for its patrons. You dropped in a quarter and in just a few seconds, wham, your blood alcohol level was revealed. I remember a friend who would lease these to bars all over New Jersey, and it was wildly received by bar owners. The problem was that people would use it as a contest device to see who could blow the hardest. Go figure.
Bernardsville News (restored)
I opened Freddys with Mike Lyons and was a close friend till he passed away in 2005. I was his right hand in the restaurant and can give you lots of Freddy T Fastbuck info and stories if you want.
Gregg
908-883-0034