"Land of the Free, Home of the Brave"

Shayne Rodriguez Thompson
H.P. Mirror staff

As born Americans, many of us have no concept of what it is like to struggle for our freedom, but Marta Lohner is a product of another era. "Every time I hear the line 'the land of the free and the home of the brave' I cry," said the founder, and until recently the owner, of Marta's Salon on Raritan Avenue.

Born and raised in Budapest, Marta lived through the Hungarian revolution of 1956 and because of the injustices she experienced, she was determined to escape Hungary and begin a new life.

"After World War II, it was impossible to leave the country," she said. "For 11 years it was divided and when it was over people were freeing themselves politically and physically."

So on December 3, 1957, after eleven months in Yugoslavia waiting for the red tape to clear, 19-year-old Marta arrived in New Orleans, seeking what she calls "ultimate freedom."

In 1959 she packed up her family and headed to New Brunswick, which has always had a large Hungarian population. For a short time, Marta worked under another beautician, and in 1960 she opened her own salon on Livingston Avenue.

After recruiting a steady clientele, by 1964 she was able to purchase the Raritan Avenue building that has been home to her salon for 37 years. "It was the first thing I ever owned. No car, no bicycle, no house," said Marta.

Throughout the years, Marta has remained committed to her work. "This business is my passion, my mania, my heart," she says. She has kept up with new trends and techniques, attending the International Show in New York and taking refresher courses. Marta continues to offer haircuts, perms, and hair color and in recent years she has added facials, manicures, pedicures, and massage to services she offers.

After decades of renovation, expansion, and experimentation, Marta decided late last year that it was time to sell. It was an emotional decision, but "no material things should hold you back," said Marta.

The new owner, Lydia Lung, is renowned for her work as an aesthetician. She has formed a solid and trusting relationship with Marta over the last several years.

Knowing that she is turning her business over to dedicated hands is an invaluable comfort to a wistful, but content, Marta. She will continue to work at the salon part-time.

Under Lung's ownership, the salon will begin offering spa and make-up services. Eventually, Lung hopes to add to the building so that she can add a full-service spa.