Hunter’s Rest Birthday

This book chronicles the night of September 1, 1977, when FUZZ goes to the local bar, Hunter’s Rest Tavern, for his first legal drinking day on his 18th birthday. The story combines the actual activities that night with an alternative universe of characters who enter the bar and unlock memories of FUZZ’s life in Hunterdon County. This 1970s quest for sex, drugs, and rock and roll occurs at a time before the internet, AIDS, and Mad Mothers Against Drunk Driving. This was a time when pot was illegal, cigarette smoking was mandatory, and MD 2020 wine was consumed by the quart. Late 20th century topics like streaking, 8 track tapes, New York and Philadelphia concerts, mobile parties, motorcycles, dead rock icons, Paul is Dead, Jesus Freaks, Weiner King, house party police raids, and great 1970s vinyl music are featured. Local legends like Mr. Eppley, Jack Little, Mr. Livecci, Dr. Looloian, Reverend Miller, Mr. Osman, Mr. Person, Mr. Sansky, and Officer Jimmy Izzo are part of the story. Elbow Dam, Eleanor Connell School of Dance, Flemington Mall, Hunterdon Central High School, Hunterdon Theatre, Jimmy Moncrief’s Barn, Round Mountain, Round Valley Leigh Caves, Samila’s Miracle Freeze Restaurant, Stanton General Store, Stanton Reformed Church, Stas’ Grocery Store, Turntable Junction, and Walden Way Antique Store provide the locations for the actions of the book characters. Watering holes like Franks Tavern, Pittstown Inn, Shady Lane, Flemington Union Hotel, and the Landslide Saloon are featured. The most important star of this book is the old Hunter’s Rest Tavern on Route 31 in Allerton, NJ where special memories were made every night with friends and the fabulous staff. Interior details are recreated in all their glory including the Brunswick pool table, dart board, pinball machines, dining tables, bowling game, pay phone, 13-inch TV, pickled eggs, and of course the red linoleum bar. Owner Bob Fisher and bartender Tommy Dodge provided drinks that night with Jim Cronce in the kitchen making pizzas, clams, and other treats for the customers. Bar regular Henry provides the history of the bar before Bob purchased the business in 1969. The Hunter’s Rest jukebox in this book is more like a home turntable playing eclectic rock music than the real 1977 bar jukebox. It is suggested that the reader should request the song mentioned in the book from Alexa to compliment the action in the story. The book is filled with photos from the era from personal collections, yearbooks, and newspapers which remind us of how lucky it was to live during this era and how young we all once were. Enter the time machine and return to 1970s Hunterdon County and join FUZZ on this special night of partying with wild abandon before becoming an adult.