I have found a fix. Go to any number of sites (e.g. soft pedia) and download the version that worked for you prior to the loss of the bar. For me it was 5.1.7
I first went to my applications folder, dragged my broken safari to the trash, next, I downloaded the version that was closest to the one that HAD worked and BINGO.... I now have my bar up and running.
My chrome google search for the software was: download safari 5.1.7 mac
A number of sites emerge, it was softpedia.com/utilities that I used.
I think the dissappearance must have been a virus. That in itself is "scary" and reflects a security issue with safari. But I've done this manipulation on the 12th of Aug. It is now the 29th and NO problems with the reload. My browser is acting normally.
Good wishes