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HISTORIC CASSVILLE TAVERN AND SURROUNDING LAND SOON TO BE ON THE MARKET
By Keith Hagarty
When John and Marilyn Fariello invested in a small little bar on Routes 571 and 528 in 1972, they never envisioned that 35 years later, the Cassville Tavern would be part of the heart and soul of western Jackson.
But the tavern and the nine acres upon which it sits, which some believe dates back to the Civil War, are now up for sale. And that means … well, no one is quite sure what it means. Change, just new ownership? That depends on the buyer.
Being in the bar and restaurant business was an easy decision for Marilyn, 57, and John, 65, with the Jackson natives saying it was in their roots.
"I was born and raised in the bar business," she said. "It started with Gerfen's Tavern and Picnic Grove, which is now known as Just Plain Janes (on East Veteran's Highway)."
The Fariellos worked several years together at the bar before seeking an establishment to call their own, leading to the Fariellos purchasing the Cassville Tavern from Stephen "Whitey" Lengyel and his wife, Grace, in 1972 for a little over $100,000.
 | | --Photos By Keith Hagarty At left, Cassville Tavern owner Marilyn Fariello stands with her son, A.J., behind the bar at the historic establishment, pictured above, which has been a mainstay on Routes 571 and 528 for centuries. |
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"Stephen and Grace lived here," Marilyn said. "They were just ready to retire when we bought it from them … They lived upstairs. Over there was their living room, their dining room is now my office, we built through the walls so we could put the half of the bar in, and then put a wood stove in. We did a lot of work over the years."
Now 35 years later, the Fariellos have come full circle as they now face retirement and are looking to finally unwind, travel and relax in their golden years. They have placed the historic restaurant and surrounding nine-acres of land up for sale.
While the Fariellos don't have any documentation of validation, they believe the establishment dates back to at least the Civil War era, and possibly beyond, once used as a stop for stagecoaches and an inn.
Shortly after opening their doors for business on May 1, 1972, the Fariellos soon saw a rapid influx of thirsty and hungry customers coming from the workers who were building a brand new amusement park in Jackson, Six Flags Great Adventure.
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Laverne Stokes And Josephine Marcinski at this year's Senior Expo, held at the Ritacco Center , Toms River. |
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What started out for the Fariellos in 1972 as a small nine-stool bar with living quarters overhead soon grew into a 4,000- square foot bar and restaurant courtesy of numerous expansion projects over the decades. The small front porch and old wooden planks for a small seating area outside were eventually converted into a full-scale indoor dining room and booths.
"As more and more people came with our
increase in business, we just needed more
room and needed more space," she said. "But it wasn't too large where we me and
my husband couldn't handle it."
How Times Change
Having been a Jackson resident her whole life, Marilyn has seen the Cassville-section of town change with the times.
"There are so many new homes that have gone up and all the construction and things being torn down," she said. "As far as the customers though, they really haven't changed. They're so nice. We've always had such a good, friendly group here."
The Fariellos have seen it all in their 35 years, and have some fond memories of some of the more unusual traditions they've established over the years.
"The snowstorms were fun, they were the best," she said. "When the electric would go out in the area, we just put our wood stove on and everybody comes over and keeps warm. They know we're usually open, and they'll come over here in their snowmobiles and quads. It's always fun for everyone."
The Fariellos raised a family while owning the establishment. Their 33-year old son, Alex (or "A.J." as he's most commonly known around the bar), said when his parents eventually retire from the restaurant business, it will feel a bit strange passing by the tavern each day.
"I usually come over here a lot, see people and talk to people, I've made so many friends here," he said. "We all hang out together and do stuff together. I know a lot of the customers, and I may wonder where I'm going to hang out."
A.J. helped out at the restaurant for as long as he can remember, working as a jack-of-all-trades. As one of the only bars in the surrounding area, A.J. said it would be sad if the Cassville Tavern was no longer there.
"There are really no bars in the area to hang out at," he said. "It's convenient and close and the people here are great ... It would just be a little life-changing."
While she has no preference for what is eventually done to the site once they retire, Marilyn said it would be nice to see the Cassville Tavern still going strong for years to come. She offered some simple advice for any potential new owners.
"You have to be young and have a lot of
energy, because it's a lot of hours," she said. "But if you just treat your customers well,
then they'll treat you well." applauded for her rendition of 'Nowadays" from the Broadway show Chicago. Gibson, dressed in royal blue sequins, was a model of poise.
"We love the seniors," she said. "This is a great crowd. I am thrilled to be here."
Visitors at the expo sampled a little bit of everything as they walked around with souvenir goodie bags. Ken and Adlaide of Whiting said they, "loved the music and the freebies."
Diana Palombini of Manchester said that she was seeking, "safety and peace of mind."
That is exactly what Robert Schwartz
stressed as he explained his health watch
monitoring system and how to prevent falls. "Fall are not just the result of getting older,"
he said, "Many falls can be prevented."
To improve your home's safety, get improved lighting and non slip mats, he sug- gested. Handrails also will help.
Mildred S., of Bayville, didn't know when she waved good bye to her daughter following Mother's Day dinner in a local restaurant that 10 minutes later she would be lying on her porch floor, alone and unable to get up. Luckily, she was wearing a personal emergency monitor button around her neck. Within minutes, an ambulance arrived at her Butler Boulevard home to transport her to Community Medical Center, Toms River. Stories such as this are all too common, said Schwartz.
"Everyone should wear one," he said. "It gives you peace of mind."
Many seniors relaxed on the furniture being shown by local merchants. Visiting banks and financial institutes gave away pens and free advice on money management. Robin Pflieger, a Lakewood physical therapist, offered information on dizziness and balance problems.
"It's all very informative," said, Cathy Aldrich of Leisure Village East, with husband, Dean.
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