The Country Inn Motel in Palo Alto will close on August 11 after 70 years of operation, making way for a new 29-unit townhouse development. Managed by siblings for over 30 years, the motel was established in 1953 by their grandparents. The siblings shared fond memories of their upbringing at the motel, including selling fruit, cooking traditional Italian meals, and family recipes documented in a cookbook. They are preparing for the emotional process of demolition as the development plans proceed.
"A lot of people don't like the big hotels. They like something a little more quaint and they get more special attention here."
"Two dollars a box for apricots or peaches or cherries. But then we would also bring some to (Rosano Cesano) and she would can everything."
"Jim Gretz said he remembers Rosano Cesano making big Italian meals for all the guests. Tinker said she vividly remembers Rosano Cesano rolling out dough on the kitchen counter to make homemade ravioli."
"The siblings say they are bracing for the moment when fences go up around the motel in preparation for its demolition."
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