1955 was a very good year . . . and Joe Brunetto turned back the clock by celebrating the 50th anniversary of his family's opening of the first Marechiaro's Italian Restaurant in East County.
  Joe hosted the anniversary party at his Flinn Springs restaurant on Old Highway 80 on September 17^th by rolling back the menu prices to 1955 prices . . . just for old time's sake. Old friends and customers, and new comers as well, came from far and wide to enjoy the cuisine and prices; to share a few memories and enjoy the fun.  Even Supervisor, Dianne Jacob, came by to bring a framed proclamation and to honor Joe by proclaiming that this day was officially "Marechiaro's Day" for all of San Diego County. Our Lakeside Historical Society President, Gordon Shackelford, was there to congratulate Joe for his fine work in the community.
  Joe started his restaurant career at the tender young age of 11 by helping his father, Ben, in the family owned and operated business. After graduating from El Cajon High School in 1974, he was sent on the mission of gathering authentic Italian recipes from fine restaurants in Sicily and bringing them back home to East County.
  The Italian restaurant was the idea of Ben Brunetto, John Belvedere and John Villini who opened their first restaurant together on Murray Drive in La Mesa (next to Anthony's Fish Grotto) back in 1955.
  It was so successful that they opened the second Marechiaro's restaurant on Second Street in El Cajon.  Back in the good old days of the late 50's and early 60's, Second Street in Bostonia was a cowboy town; even hitching posts were installed out front so the folks who were picking up a pizza could tie up their horses. The restaurant was known to keep late hours and the cowboys from Bostonia Ballroom and other bars would mosey by after a late night of dancing and drinking. Joe said that even Roy Rogers and Smoky Rogers would come over for meals after performing at the Bostonia Ballroom. It was a combination of cultures, and not that long ago!
  The third Marechiaro's Italian Restaurant opened in the Flinn Springs area in 1976. Folks warned them that they wouldn't be successful way out in the boonies, but happily the first five weeks the new restaurant was packed -- country folks had been waiting for some good Italian food to come their way.
  Later when the partners decided to split up, they just drew names out of a hat to see which restaurant would be theirs. Joe and his dad, stepmother, Anna Maria, brother John, sister Dorotea took over running the Flinn Springs Marechiaros Restaurant.
  Joe said his Dad came to America in 1952; he was a tuna boat fisherman until the restaurant bug bit.  He married Antonia in 1953 and together they had three children, and lived in the Bostonia area. Ben became an American citizen in 1958.  Joe's mother passed away when he was only five years old and he regrets that she never got to enjoy the fruits of his Dad's labor.
  After his father retired in 1986, Joe continued to operate the family business. His wife, Sharyn, put her heart into the business as well, helping him expand the restaurant and parking area -- later they purchased the 7-11 shopping center next door.  Sadly she passed away this last February of heart disease. Joe said the 50th Anniversary Party was a bittersweet celebration; he donated all proceeds to the American Heart Association in Sharyn's honor.

  The Lakeside Historical Society proudly presents the 2005 Holiday Home Tour. Each year the tour consists of five or six wonderful homes in the Lakeside area.
  The owners of a wide variety of interesting homes volunteer to open their homes to the public. Most of the homes are beautifully decorated for the holidays, and all are unique in their architecture, decor, histories, collections and other aspects. In the past we have presented mansions, domes, Victorians, cottages, move-ons, ranches, and others, even a windmill. This year's selection has not been finalized at this time, but promises to be as exciting as ever.
  Following the tour there will be a reception at the Olde Community Church, which was built in 1886, and is a jewel of downtown Lakeside. Also, adjacent to the Olde Church the Lakeside Museum will be open to tour.
  At the reception the Lakeside Historical Society will present refreshments and entertainment, including the presentation to the owners of the Tour Homes of watercolor painting of their home painted by John Swink, an accomplished watercolorist and a member of the Society.
  The annual Holiday Home Tour is an important fund-raising event for the Historical Society. The proceeds are used for the maintenance of the Olde Community Church, which is their headquarters and pride and joy. We sincerely hope that you will join us for this fun and enlightening event.

  Tickets available at the Olde Community Church. Or, on tour day at each Tour Home.
  For additional information and office hours call (619) 561-1886.