Before it was known as a “Tiki” bar, Christian’s Hut on Balboa Island in the bay at Newport Beach, California was a nautical watering hole for local yachtsmen and vacationing beachgoers. With heavy accent on buccaneer shenanigans — especially during Newport’s annual Pirate Days festivals. Before The Goof on the Roof appeared in 1948, manager Joseph Leonard “François” Marshall flew a Jolly Roger atop the Hut. His daughter Dolores was voted Pirate Queen one year. A friend and neighbor of theirs was professional gentleman of fortune, artist, and restaurateur Don Dickerman (Pirate’s Den). He set up his Castaways Club in the old golf club high on a hill overlooking Newport Bay. It was filled with nautical antiques and memorabilia from Dickerman’s many pirate-themed bars, some from as far back to his days in 1920s Greenwich Village.
On April 1st, 1948, owner Art La Shelle and Marshall debuted their newly remodeled Tahitian Sky Room on the upper floor of Christian’s Hut Balboa. La Shelle had leased the property, and bought the place upon his return from service during World War II. They added large picture windows for grand views of the bay. New decor. Tahitian murals were painted by Marshall’s stepson, Glenn. Staff wore tropical attire.
And a new mascot tiki on the roof, Ramu. The opening ads and matchbooks mention him, “watch’um out for big opu.” What La Shelle called the “god of rum” would become known as the “Goof on the Roof.” Marshall’s daughter remembers La Shelle, her father and stepbrother “coming up with the idea for something new.” A version survives atop San Diego’s Bali Hai Restaurant.
Don Dickerman at the opening of Tahitian Sky Room, 1948. Photo, Sherman Library (colorized, aie).
