It was at Home where any average person could eat, drink, and mingle with some of the biggest names in entertainment. It was also at Home that some of the biggest names in entertainment could again feel like any average person.
Founded and operated by Richard Ross, Home was conceived in 1969, and opened in 1970. It was prior to Home that set the foundation of it's success. Richard was a co-owner of a traditional English pub named The Brown Jug, that was located on 61st and 1st Ave. It was there, where Richard met a beautiful supervisor for TWA Airlines, and the love of his life Cynthia. It was on first sight that Richard turned to his brother Michael and confided, "See that girl? I'm going to marry her!" Richard and Cynthia married in 1969. It was Richards passion for music that inspired his decision to part ways with The Brown Jug, and open Home. He felt the only place suitable for it's location was uptown on 92nd and 2nd Ave. Together, Richard and Cynthia designed the bold and unique logo for Home. Richard Chose the name Home for the atmosphere he wanted to create. It was also on The Beatles album Abby Road, that Richard got the idea for the name. Home was something that was sung a lot about on the album.
The wheels were set in motion but, it was not an instant overnight success, which resulted in Home doubling as an ice cream parlor to pay the rent. It was a new formula that Richard worked on that Home started to find it's legs. The jukebox was stocked with everything from Clyde McPhatter, The Drifters, Lamont Dozier, to Ritchie Havens, The Rolling Stones, and The Beatles. There were headphones throughout the bar for personal music pleasure, and $5 steaks that you could cut with a fork. It was Richard's brother Jack who played a very important role in the beginning success of Home. Jack owned a limo service, and drove a lot of the music acts that came to the city before and after their shows. Always looking for the perfect place to unwind, Jack would always suggest and bring many of the acts to Home. Ritchie Havens, Alice Cooper, Ten Years After, Blood Sweat and Tears, and David Bowie all graced Home with their presence, But it was John Lennon who would frequent Home often that really put Home on the map.
Richard and Lennon became fast friends due largely to Richard's recent diagnoses and battle with Hodgkin's disease. Both men shared a fear of death, and created a special pact. They planned a signal that only they would know, to signal there was life on the other side.
Lennon was also seen around and photoed often in the Home tee shirt. It was in 1972's "Sometime In New York City", that Lennon wore the Home tee shirt in the inside cover. Lennon would also have some of his Home shirts printed with "The Black Panther Party" fist proudly running through the "O". Lennon greatly supported "The Black Panther Party". An organization that Richard greatly supported was A.I.M. (American Indian Movement). Home was a host to large fundraisers, supplying free food and drinks for the cause that would generate revenue and social awareness.
Opening daily at 10a.m. till the last man standing, Home was Richard's life. So devoted, Richard owned an apartment upstairs, and across the street. The apartments came in handy for much needed rest. His large black German Sheppard Shazam, was always at his side. Shazam was very protective of Richard, and always made sure all was in line at Home. Hells Angels would frequent the bar. Richard had an agreement with the local President of the motorcycle club that they were welcome as long as they left their colors outside. The employees and the patrons, were important to Richard. They were like family!
Getting to sick to work, Richard made the difficult decision to retire from the public's eye and sell Home. Richard sold Home in 1978. Richard devoted his time living in Bearsville, New York outside of Woodstock. There he spent time working on, and driving his Maserati. He had a great love and passion for exotic cars. He would also travel the globe searching a cure for Cancer, and spending time with Family and dear friends. Sadly, Richard Ross passed away on March 20th, 1984.
Today, Home is a clothing store in the northern San Diego city of Encinitas, California. Three Nephews of Richard Ross' opened the store in 2002, using the name Home in homage to their beloved Uncle. The store boasts it rich history, and it's passion for music as it's creative force, and a mural of Richard as it's center piece..
