Norton Historical Society presents personal story of Casa Del Mar manager

NORTON  Following on its Historic Day Out in Loyal Oak, the well-attended Annual Corn Roast, and a visual and musical celebration of the Norton Band Program’s centenary, the Norton Historical Society is pleased to announce its upcoming programs. The organization’s Oct. 17 and Nov. 21 Thursday meetings will feature the fascinating personal stories of local residents, Casa Del Mar co-owner/manager Raul Leon and veteran Jack Harig (both occurring at 7 p.m. in the basement training room of the Norton Fire Dept.).

Visitors can tour the Society’s Biery House Museum (3412 Greenwich Road) and enjoy light treats and Christmas music at the society’s Open House on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1-3 p.m.

This month, continuing the occasional series featuring the histories of local businesses and their owners, the Society presents on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. the story of a local restaurateur who chose to immigrate to the United States 20 years ago. Come and hear the life story – still in progress! – of Casa Del Mar’s owner/manager, Raul Leon. Born in Mexico’s southwest, Raul came to the U.S. as a teenager and recently became an American citizen. Residents of Summit County will know him as one of the friendly faces greeting and serving guests at Casa Del Mar on S. Cleveland-Massillon Road. He and his partners also own and operate Casa Del Lago on Canton Road in Springfield Township.
“Raul’s story is one of risk-taking, hard work and entrepreneurship, and we are fortunate to be able to interview and record his modern immigrant story, in a city originally settled largely by Americans who spoke and wrote in German as their first language, more than 200 years ago,” said historical society president Harriet Chapman.