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Any photos not otherwise credited are from the personal collection of Frank Passic, Albion Historian.
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Morning Star, January 4, 2009, pg. 12 This Wednesday, January 7 will mark the 100th anniversary of Cascarelli’s at its 116 S. Superior St. location. From our Historical Notebook this week we present a photograph of the man who owned and operated Cascarelli’s for many years, Louis Cascarelli (1907-1975). He is standing next to 9-year-old Sandra Fischer in this 1944 parade photo in front of his Tavern. The event was the railroad centennial parade held that summer, and participants dressed up in old-time costumes. This photo comes from Nanette Grassi, daughter of Sandra Fischer. How many of our readers remember Louis Cascarelli? Louis’ father Robert (1856-1932), who started fruit business, had to deal with all sorts of characters, way before the days of the tavern era. From the Friday, July 22, 1910 Albion Recorder comes this article concerning Vincenca (Biafore) (1873-1947) Cascarelli (edited for space): “Asked to Kiss Italian’s Wife. Robert Cascarelli, the proprietor of the Italian fruit store at the corner of Superior and Center Sts., claims he had a visitor last evening who tried to send him away to church so he could kiss Mrs. Cascarelli. Afterward, Bob made complaint, charging Riley Devaull with being drunk and intoxicated. Early in the evening the man entered the banana store and said to Bob, “The church bell is ringing, you ought to go to church. “I go when I get time,” returned Bob rather shortly. “But you ain’t no Christian then.” “I may be a poor Christian, but I go when I want to just the same,” answered the Italian merchant. Soon after that, Bob was called out, and during his absence, it is said that Devaull leaned across the counter and said to Mrs. Cascarelli, “I’d like to kiss you.” “Go on,” said the bright little woman, “you ain’t no fellah to kiss me.” Just then, Cascarelli returned, and to him the visitor expressed the same wish. Naturally, the husband objected, very strenuously. He wanted to pick up a chair, and go after the one before him, but his wife kept cool, and prevented this, or a more serious mix-up might have followed. Not long after that, Officers Doyle and Hoyt picked up the interloper, and took him to the station, and the fruit store man swore out a warrant before Justice A.L. McCutcheon. Bob Cascarelli has lived in Albion about ten years, and during that time he has borne a good reputation and caused no trouble. He says that he won’t have his wife insulted if he can help it. Devaull, when arraigned this morning, pleaded guilty to the charge, paid the court $5 fine and costs of $5.05. He claimed to be a molder at the Malleable works.” Happy 100th anniversary, Cascarelli’s! 
1944 parade photograph of Louis Cascarelli (1907-1975) and 9-year-old Sandra Fischer All text copyright, 2024 © all rights reserved Frank Passic
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