Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

Introduction

Nestled on the serene shores of Mentor-On-The-Lake, this residence, locally recognized by some as the “Longo House“ bears the legacy of two celebrated figures of Northeast Ohio’s. Throughout the 1960s into the early 1990s, the home’s significance became anchored in its association with Joe Longo, the entrepreneurial spirit behind Longo’s Pizza, a well-known pizza restaurant in Lake County. 

The Story of Longo’s Pizza: A Lake County Favorite

Longo’s Pizza, a cornerstone of Northeast Ohio’s culinary landscape, represents not just a family-owned business but a legacy spanning over five decades. It all started with Joe Longo Sr., who, driven by passion and a dream, transitioned from a job at Pick-N-Pay to open a quaint pizzeria in Mentor, transforming it into what is known today as the East Side suburb’s oldest pizza place. This establishment, beyond being a neighborhood favorite, has blossomed into a mini-empire under the stewardship of Joe Longo Jr. and Tina Greci, Joe Sr.’s children. Their expansion includes a second Longo’s location in Mentor, Joey’s Italian Grille spots in Chardon and Madison, Pastina Rustic Italian Kitchen, and the Cater to You Catering Co.​​

The Longo family has always prioritized community and tradition in their business model. From a young age, Joe Jr. and his sister were deeply involved in the restaurant, learning the importance of community engagement and the joy of Italian cuisine. Italian food, known for its versatility and richness, has allowed them to explore and create a variety of dishes that keep their menu fresh and inviting. The Longos have a deep appreciation for their roots, emphasizing the importance of sticking to the recipes and methods that have defined their success for over 50 years​​.

Longo’s Pizza is renowned for its commitment to traditional Italian cooking, a testament to Joe and Tootie Longo’s original recipes. Their dedication to authenticity is evident in their homemade sauces, meatballs, and sausage, underscoring a business philosophy that values quality over cost-saving shortcuts. This unwavering commitment to traditional methods and ingredients has helped Longo’s Pizza to not only survive but thrive in a competitive market. Joe Longo Jr. emphasizes the significance of supporting the community that supports them, a principle instilled by their father. With a bustling trade that sees thousands of pizzas and pounds of chicken tenders sold weekly, Longo’s has become a generational favorite, feeding families who have grown up with their flavors. The success of Longo’s, as Joe Jr. points out, is deeply intertwined with its community and the loyalty of its staff, some of whom have been part of the Longo’s family for decades​​.

Longo’s Pizza, through its delicious food and community-focused philosophy, has woven itself into the fabric of Northeast Ohio’s dining scene, embodying a legacy of passion, tradition, and community engagement.

While in more recent history, the residence had famously become known as the Longo House, named after Joe Longo, this home’s story began even earlier, with a notable chapter involving another notable figure of Lake County; Napoleon LaJoie of the Cleveland Indians. According to historical records, including a 1937 Lake County Directory, LaJoie made this lakefront property his home during the 1930s, residing in 1937 at what was then listed as 25 N S Salida. This period in the house’s history adds  another layer to its legacy.

Who Was Napoleon Lajoie?

Napoleon “Nap” Lajoie, one of baseball’s early icons, left an indelible mark on Cleveland baseball, becoming a symbol so powerful that the team was named the Naps in his honor. Lajoie’s career, particularly with the Cleveland franchise from 1902 to 1914, was marked by exceptional skill, both at the plate and in the field. His tenure in Cleveland was highlighted by a combination of outstanding personal achievements and significant contributions to the team’s performance.

Lajoie’s prowess on the field was undeniable. His exceptional fielding was complemented by his innovative practices, such as preferring a new fielding mitt each season and modifying his glove for better control, which set him apart from his contemporaries. His batting was equally impressive, leading the league in several categories over the years and achieving a .426 batting average in 1901, the highest of the twentieth century. Despite his achievements, Lajoie’s career was also marked by challenges, including legal battles that saw him jump from the National League to the American League, significantly shaping the latter’s status​​.

During his time as player and manager for the Cleveland Naps, Lajoie led the team to contend for the pennant, narrowly missing out in several seasons. Despite his success as a player, his managerial tenure was mixed, with Lajoie himself acknowledging the impact of his dual role on his on-field performance. His management style, while unorthodox, reflected his straightforward approach to the game. Lajoie’s resignation from managerial duties in 1909 allowed him to refocus on playing, leading to several more seasons of batting over .300​​.

Lajoie’s departure from Cleveland marked the end of an era, prompting a team name change to the Indians in 1915. His final years in Major League Baseball with the Philadelphia Athletics saw continued personal success, but his teams struggled to compete. After retiring, Lajoie remained active in baseball and other ventures until his death in 1959. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937, a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport​​.

Lajoie’s impact on baseball, particularly in Cleveland, extends beyond his statistical achievements to embody the spirit and evolution of the early American League. His career is a bridge between the game’s formative years and its modern era, exemplifying excellence, innovation, and the complex interplay between individual and team success.

Quite an interesting history of ownership for this lakefront home.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

Great Times Had and Memories Created For Many: The Longo Era

Over the years of Joe Longo’s ownership, the Longo House transcended its status as a mere residence, evolving into a vibrant and well-known social spot within the community. Longo, whose name is synonymous with some of Lake County’s most delectable pizza offerings, infused the home with the same warmth and hospitality that patrons found in his restaurants. Throughout his ownership, the property was the venue for numerous memorable gatherings, etching itself into the collective memory of many Lake County residents. These events, characterized by their welcoming atmosphere, became a cherished part of local lore, celebrated for their ability to bring together the community in the spirit of camaraderie and good cheer.

Decline and Renewal

Despite its interesting past, the dawn of the 21st century marked a period of gradual decline for the Longo House. The relentless forces of nature, most notably during the harsh winters that combat lakefront homes, began to exact a toll on the structure. By the decade spanning 2010 to 2020, the visible wear and the compromised integrity of the home’s façade signaled the end of an era. The decision to raze the dwelling in 2022 paved the way for a new chapter. In its place now stands a modern edifice, a testament to the cycles of decay and rebirth that characterize the history of our built environments. This new construction continues to gaze out onto Lake Erie, bearing witness to the ever-changing landscape of Mentor-On-The-Lake.

Though the original home is gone, the legacy of Joe Longo and Napoleon LaJoie, each eminent in their respective fields, remains indelibly linked to this parcel of land, a silent custodian of tales from a bygone era. As the new structure stands sentinel over the lake, it serves as a reminder of the rich history it supersedes, a bridge connecting the past with the present and future.