The saddest sight I saw last week — the spectacular fieldstone façade at Le Moyne Manor now reduced to rubble.
We knew it would happen.
In June, prominent CNY developer Dave Muraco announced that he’d demolish Le Moyne Manor, the historic “House of Banquets” at 629 Old Liverpool Road which he’d recently purchased. He plans to locate a shopping center on the 3.68-acres site, and convert the adjacent motel into an apartment building.
So we knew it would happen, but to actually see the stones lying in piles in the driveway evokes a tangible realization of mortality, a vivid reminder of the impermanence of all things. As the stones are torn down, they reveal a skeleton of concrete-block walls now staring blankly toward Old Liverpool Road or gazing emotionlessly into two large parking lots.
Jesuit Well to remain
The original Le Moyne Manor building was designed by noted Arts and Crafts architect Ward Wellington Ward, who lived there in the early 20th century. It was renovated over the years under various owners, and now Muraco is razing the 55,000-square-foot structure.
But Dave Muraco apparently has a healthy respect for history. We’re glad to know that he plans to preserve the Jesuit Well, which sits obscured by cat-tails and high grass behind the manor.
The well was constructed 85 years ago along with the nearby “French Fort” (now Skä•noñh – Great Law of Peace Center), and was dedicated on Aug. 16, 1933, with a well-attended pageant. The site commemorated the role of the Jesuits in recognizing the potential commercial value of salt.
Montanaro remembered
In the late-1940s impresario Frank Montanaro established Le Moyne Manor as one of the area’s most popular venues for formal dinners, proms, wedding receptions and concerts. Over time, Montanaro added a modern motel to the property, and in 1972 his son, Andrew, was shot to death while working there as a clerk.
Frank Montanaro sold his business and retired in 1992. He passed away in Syracuse on Dec. 28, 2013, at age 92.
Dave Muraco is presently seeking tenants for the shopping center and apartment building he’s developing on old Liverpool Road. Interested parties should call his Empire Management Co., in DeWitt, at 445-8990.
Just Joe at Limp Lizard
Versatile entertainer Just Joe returns to the Limp Lizard, on Friday evening, Oct. 28. The former lead singer for the band Brand New Sin, Joe Altier was honored earlier this month as the winner of Best Male Vocalist in the annual Syracuse New Times Best of Syracuse Awards. Even though Just Joe’s a solo act, he also snagged the award for Best Wedding Band.
Admission is free at the Limp Lizard; limplizardbbq.com/locations/liverpool/; 451-9774.
Mario celebrates 88
Since he’s a pianist, 88 represents something very important to Mario DeSantis. And last week, the venerable Syracuse bandleader celebrated his 88th birthday.
Next year, Mario will mark his 70th anniversary as leader of the Mario DeSantis Orchestra, and the Liverpool Is The Place Committee will book the band at Johnson Park next summer to commemorate the occasion.
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