Today we celebrated 9 years together as The Happy Hatters with a luncheon at the beautiful Rams Head Inn.
Acquired by Harry Knowles in 1978, Ram’s Head Inn was formerly known as the Dutch Barn which served Pennsylvania Dutch food served family style.
While the food has changed a bit since its days as the Dutch Barn, the spirit of the Pennsylvania Dutch and the restaurant image Fred and Ethel Noyes purchased in 1976 remains intact by virtue of some of the decorations like an authentic apple press and spinning wheel and contemporary interpretations of classic dishes like the well regarded Chicken Pot Pie.
But the level of sophistication, refinement and fine dining of Harry Knowles’ flagship restaurant, The Manor in West Orange, NJ, would soon find itself at home in the former 1930s roadhouse. To date, the restaurant has earned enough awards and accolades that they take up an entire wall.
T.S. Evans of Shore News Today provides the following history of the property:
The building was originally a roadhouse in the 1930s and 40s. After World War II it was called Phillip’s Inn and then Black Steer Ranch before it became the Dutch Barn. Since Fred Noyes was an Aries, the couple named the restaurant the Ram’s Head Inn.
Ethel passed away in 1978, and the restaurant was sold to Harry Knowles who kept the name. Fred died in 1987, and his favorite table, number 53, was retired the day he died.
Today, RHI continues to be the go-to place to celebrate special occasions, large or small and with delicious food, as well as an ideal place to commune with friends over cocktails and conversation any day of the week.
The food, service an ambiance was top notch. This was our first luncheon at this beautiful restaurant. Definitely a “winner”.
Each year, usually in June, we make our plan for the next year. Here is what we came up with:
July 31 – Catherine/Eileen – game of left right center at clubhouse – noon to 4
August 18 (raindate 8/20) – Elaine W., Marlene, Mary F - Bikini Pool Party with Pizza – 4:00 to 7:30 Details to follow
September – Sue H. and Donna – Cape May Zoo and lunch at Tuckahoe Inn. Details to follow.
9/16 with raindate of 9/17 – Mary F., Elaine W., and Marlene Cape May Ferry to Lewes for shopping and lunch
October – Marie C., Tour of Temple and lunch
November – Elaine H. – Levoy Theater – Ragtime. Lunch or dinner depending on show time.
December – Catherine/Lorraine A/Marie S. – Pot Luck Holiday Luncheon
January
February
March
April – Sue S., Margie, Carol – Christmas in April Luncheon
May – Jill – Wheaton Village, or Wine Tasting
Karen – Girls Gone Wild – Wildwood event. This year the theme is Doo Wop. We’re already talking about what we will be wearing! Poodle skirts, saddle shoes (I have bad memories of those ugly clunky shoes 
)
June – Sheri, Blanch, Sheila, Judy W., Silent Auction and Luncheon.
Karen and Cora – Renewal Luncheon
As always, these plans are subject to change depending on our mood. If anything comes up throughout the year that you think we would enjoy, let’s do it! We can have as much fun as we want!
And now, I present the drop dead gorgeous and vivacious Happy Hatters of Smithville!
