Sierra Vista in Cochise County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
La Casita Restaurant
465 East Fry Boulevard
— Built in 1937 —
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, February 19, 2010
1. La Casita Restaurant Marker
Inscription.
La Casita Restaurant. 465 East Fry Boulevard. This site is within the Oliver Fry 280-acre homestead, which was filed August 11, 1912; the patent (or deed) was received August 11, 1916. Erwin Fry, the second oldest of Oliver and Elizabeth Fry's ten children, became the owner of this site. In 1937 Erwin and his wife Lillian built this store, which was adjacent to their general store and post office. This building is one of the oldest standing buildings in the community. From 1937 into the 1950s, no accurate information exists about the use of the building. It is believed that the back portion was used as a grain and feed storage for some period. The picture above shows the La Casita, the Dairy Den, and a cleaner. Lenor Mathews leased the west one-third of this building and in 1952 opened the Las Casita, which she operated until 1964. Luis and Justa Valles took over the lease and expanded the restaurant to include the middle section. In 1970 the Valleses expanded the La Casita to include the entire building, and in 1972 they purchased the entire building from Erwin Fry. The Valleses operated this restaurant from 1964 until 1989, when they sold the business and building to Phillip and Anita Garcia. The Garcia family has owned and operated the La Casita Restaurant for over 20 years. Thus, the La Casita Mexican Food Restaurant has been serving this community for over 50 years.
This site is within the Oliver Fry 280-acre homestead, which was filed August 11, 1912; the patent (or deed) was received August 11, 1916. Erwin Fry, the second oldest of Oliver and Elizabeth Fry's ten children, became the owner of this site. In 1937 Erwin and his wife Lillian built this store, which was adjacent to their general store and post office. This building is one of the oldest standing buildings in the community. From 1937 into the 1950s, no accurate information exists about the use of the building. It is believed that the back portion was used as a grain and feed storage for some period. The picture above shows the La Casita, the Dairy Den, and a cleaner. Lenor Mathews leased the west one-third of this building and in 1952 opened the Las Casita, which she operated until 1964. Luis and Justa Valles took over the lease and expanded the restaurant to include the middle section. In 1970 the Valleses expanded the La Casita to include the entire building, and in 1972 they purchased the entire building from Erwin Fry. The Valleses operated this restaurant from 1964 until 1989, when they sold the business and building to Phillip and Anita Garcia. The Garcia family has owned and operated the La Casita Restaurant for over 20 years. Thus, the La Casita Mexican Food Restaurant has been serving this community for over 50 years.
Erected by
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La Casita and Sierra Vista Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.
Location. 31° 33.287′ N, 110° 17.681′ W. Marker is in Sierra Vista, Arizona, in Cochise County. Marker can be reached from East Fry Boulevard near North 4th Street. Marker is mounted on the wall to the right of the entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 465 East Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista AZ 85635, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,703 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on February 23, 2010. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
