Early Beginnings: 1874s–1873
The Cassaretto family’s story in Groveland began in the mid-19th century, when the area was rapidly developing as a hub for miners and traders. The family's history is intertwined with Raboul’s Trading Post, which was built in 1849 as one of Groveland’s first businesses. Luigi Noziglia bought the trading post from Raboul and married Rosa Cassaretto on December 25, 1874. Unfortunately, Luigi died shortly after, so Rosa convinced her brother Louis Cassaretto, born in Italy in January 2, 1854, to come to America and help her manage the business. He arrived in 1876 and helped operate the store and land holdings establishing a legacy of entrepreneurship and community service that has spanned generations.
The Cassaretto Market: Booms and Busts in the Sierra Foothills
The Cassaretto Market became the heart of Groveland, serving as a market, trading post, and stage stop for locals and travelers. The family initially lived in the quarters above the store, and Louis and his wife Lena raised nine children in this space. In the 1890s, the Cassaretto family built a seven-bedroom Victorian home adjacent to the store. The house, designed by Edward Cobden, remains a testament to the craftsmanship and architectural vision of the time.
In the late 19th century, the Cassaretto family expanded their presence in Groveland. Three of Louis and Lena's sons, Frank, Joseph and Fred, carried forward the family’s entrepreneurial spirit in the region. In 1918, during the Hetch Hetchy construction boom, the family responded to increased demand for goods by constructing another store building and several cabins below the railroad. This adaptability helped the Cassaretto's sustain their business through changing times.
The Cobden house and the original trading post are still owned by the Cassaretto Family - the trading post hosts a thrift store and the very popular Cocina Michoacana Mexican Restaurant. The second store is now the Groveland Community Hall and the cabins are part of the Yosemite Basecamp.
Ranching Legacy
In addition to merchants and developers, Joseph Cassaretto also maintained a significant ranching operation. The family’s ranch, established in the 1870s, ran 600 head of cattle between Oakdale and Groveland. This ranching tradition, passed down through generations, reinforced their connection to the land and the agricultural backbone of the region. Portions of the original ranch now lie beneath Pine Mountain Lake, marking the passage of time and development in the area.
Leonard Cassaretto: A Guardian of Tradition
Born in Sonora on June 8th, 1942 to Joseph and Lena, Joseph Leonard Cassaretto is remembered by most as the guy who routinely drove his golf cart on the highway. However, many don't realize he may be the last patriarch of Groveland. He attended Groveland Grammar School (now Yosemite Bank) in uptown Groveland often working at the grocery store after school and on weekends. As Leonard grew older, he attened high school in Sonora and would hitchhike the grade home in the evenings after school sports. On the weekends and summers you could find him ranching alongside his father Joseph. After high school, he left to attend college and then serve in the U.S. Army traveling to the Bay, Texas and Korea. Leonard did eventually return to the foothills to work for Caltrans and carry forward his family’s legacy in Groveland.
Leonard became one of Groveland’s primary landlords, overseeing properties that included the bank, post office, many of the downtown stores, and much of the housing along Main Street. Many agree that his fair pricing, his steadfast attention to his properties, and his family's legacy ensured that Downtown Groveland retained its unique character as a privately owned gateway town to Yosemite - void of chains or large-scale developments.
Historically, the Cassaretto family was known for embracing progress and technology, introducing advanced mining equipment to the area, owning the first truck in Groveland, and acquiring the region’s first telephone. Leonard, however, bucked this tradition, preferring a more analog approach to business and often relying on his daughter Pam for email and text communications. He was also known to be gruff and a bit stubborn if you stood in the way of his vision; however, he was also deeply devoted to his family, Groveland’s traditions, and its community. His unwavering efforts preserved Groveland’s unique identity, ensuring it remained a haven for those seeking roots in a small town steeped in history.
Preservation of the Cassaretto Legacy
The Cassaretto family’s contributions to Groveland go far beyond commerce. Leonard’s mother, Lena, was known for her generosity, even opening her kitchen pantry as a public library during the 1940s. The family was deeply involved in civic life, contributing to the upkeep of local churches, public utilities, and historical landmarks.
This tradition continues through our story as Leonard helped shape Echo Adventures and the Yosemite Basecamp. Founding member Elisabeth Barton and Bryant Burnette both agree that Leonard's support and mentorship gave them permssion to be stalwart champions of their vision. His perspective and experience helped them to look past minor frustrations and refocus on the bigger picture. He also always made time to help the duo navigate Tuolumne County's notoriously complicated bureaucracy. But what Elisabeth will miss most is his stories of growing up in Groveland, many of which she shared during her Groveland Historic Happy Hour Walk.
In the final months of his life, Leonard often reflected on the future of the Cassaretto legacy. Though uncertain whether his children would choose to follow in his footsteps by moving to Groveland and managing the family estate, he remained steadfast in his efforts. Leonard’s determination was driven by his deep, unwavering love for his family—both those who came before him and his children and grandchildren who would carry on after him. He found solace in knowing that preserving the Cassaretto estate would provide a foundation for his children and their future, regardless of the paths they chose.
Leonard’s passing may mark the end of an era for Groveland, but the family’s legacy endures in the town’s preserved architecture, local businesses, and the strong community spirit they nurtured.
A Town Forever Changed
From the transformation of Raboul’s Trading Post into the Cassaretto Market to the technological advance of the early settlers to the preservation of Groveland’s independent spirit, the Cassaretto family has left an indelible mark on the town. Leonard's commitment to tradition, community, and resilience has ensured that Groveland remains a unique and cherished gateway to Yosemite—a town where history lives on in every corner. For that, we are eternally thankful.
Please note that details from this article come from the notes of Elisabeth Barton's history walk. Please feel free to contact us to correct any information, add addtional context or share your own expereinces.
Beautifully written article, thank you so much for sharing Leonard's history and helping his legacy live on!