Summit County Historical Society

Gnocchi.  When I say that word, what comes to mind?  Some of you may think pasta.  Some of you may think Italian old world cooking.  Some of you may even think of your relatives or family gatherings.

I think about history.

Old Photograph of Casa Mimi Italian Restaurant

I think about a family richly ensconced in the fabric of Akron’s community.  I think of a restaurant founded in 1967 that for a brief moment in time during its beginning years was part garage,  part pizza parlor.

The restaurant I am referring to is Casa Perfetto, formerly known as Casa Mimi, located on Manchester Road.  The family, of course, is the Perfetto Family.  The restaurant was founded by Frances and Antimo (Mimi) Perfetto along with brother and chef Giuseppe (Joe) Perfetto.  In 1997, Joe acquired the restaurant along with his late wife Charlotte, and the Perfetto family continues to turn out crazy good homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, veal, and pasta dishes for multiple generations of patrons.

Then there is the gnocchi.  Little tender dollops of goodness.  The gnocchi is hand made every week by Giuseppe’s son Tony who takes painstaking care and pride in his craft.  He also happens to be the best and fastest of the Perfettos in making the small jewels of dough.  The gnocchi are mouthwatering, soft, filling, and the best of Italian comfort food this city has to offer.

So, on February 9th, our monthly  executive/finance committee meeting was held in the dining room of the “House of Perfetto.”  And as we regaled in the family stories and history as told by Giuseppe’s endearing and hospitable daughter Francesca, the family presented our group with a sampling of their divine cuisine.  We heard of the family traveling from Naples, Italy, of their meeting their respective spouses, of creating the restaurant and the recipes that thrive, and of course the family celebrations that continue to take place to this day.  With eyes and ears transfixed on Francesca, for a brief moment on a cold and blizzardly Tuesday night, we were all a part of the Perfetto family.

These and other stories of the people of Summit County are what are important for our community and our organization.  As we go forward into 2010 and beyond, we will continue to tell you these incredible “historic” stories of our people. ~ Board President Rich Comstock, Spring 2010 Portage Trail Review

*The June 23rd Board meeting will be held at Casa Perfetto followed by an “Open House” at 6:00pm which includes a tasting of Casa Perfetto menu items.  All society members are encouraged to attend.*

Excerpt from Casa Perfetto menu.

Not a member of SCHS?  Membership forms are available here.  They can be mailed to:

Summit County Historical Society

550 Copley Rd.  Akron, OH 44320

Are you a canal history enthusiast or just enjoy the many sites and sounds found along the Ohio Erie canal? In any case, you won’t want to miss Lynn Metzger and Peg Bobel discuss their new book “Canal Fever: the Ohio and Erie Canal, from waterway to canalway”. The book is a combination of original essays based on the past, present, and future of the Ohio & Erie Canal and showcases the research and writing of the best and most knowledgeable canal historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts. Each contributor brings his or her expertise to tell the canal’s story in three parts: the canal era—the creation of the canal and its importance to Ohio’s early growth; the canal’s decline—the decades when the canal was merely a ditch and path in backyards all over northeast Ohio; and finally the rediscovery of this old transportation system and its transformation into a popular recreational resource, the Ohio & Erie Canalway.

The authors included many voices from the past, such as canalers, travelers, and immigrants. The stories include canal use through various periods, and current interviews with many individuals involved in the recent revitalization of the canal. The book’s content is supplemented with a variety of interesting photographs of sites, events, and people, as well as original maps and drawings by local artist Chuck Ayers. Join Lynn and Peg for an evening of sharing and learn what the canal has meant to Ohio from the beginning of its original function in the state’s growth to its present-day function in revitalizing the region. Bring your copy for a book signing, copies will also be available at the event.

Book Talk and Signing:

Akron-Summit County Public Library

Main Library Auditorium

60 South High Street

Akron, OH 44326

Tuesday, November 3, 2009  7:00 pm

If this event piques your interest you can further explore the canal history opportunities that abound in our region via the organizations and activities listed below:

Cascade Locks Mustill Store

Lock 3 Akron History Museum

 
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Boston Store Visitor Center

Canal Fulton Canalway Center