Muscio's Seeks Old Photos from When Restaurant was Church

Muscio's Italian Restaurant, situated in a former church, is looking add some local historical flavor to its decor.

The Italian eatery at 1200 Grant Ave. in Novato seeks photos taken inside the restaurant back when it was Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church. Preferably those shots would show wedding parties, owner Michael Domer said.

"Wedding days are such memorable occasions, and we would like to pay our respects to those who were married here," Domer said. "... It is a sacred and historical site in Novato. I can feel the history each time I enter the restaurant, and many customers comment on how the building feels special when they come in."

Our Lady of Loretto, the oldest Catholic church in Novato and the city's largest church in terms of membership, was established in 1892 on modern-day South Novato Boulevard, which at the time was the center of town. The parish was destroyed by fire in 1935 and a new one was opened in 1937 at 1200 Grant Ave. The opened in 1963, is at the corner of Grant Avenue and Novato Boulevard.

Domer said he's proud that the old church is "still bringing people together and creating lasting memories." It would be documented better to create a wall that shows not only the history of the building but of people congregating for special occasions, he said.

If you have old family photos that might work well, contact Domer at mrdomer65@gmail.com or call the restaurant at 415-898-2234.

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