MASSILLON – A Civil War-era stone house on the town’s main thoroughfare has changed focus, becoming a new upscale restaurant.
For the past two years, the Social at the Stone House has served primarily as a party and private event center.
On Friday afternoon, the house welcomed its first customers, according to owner Sandy Doll, who said the restaurant at 824 Lincoln Way E has a grand but affordable menu.
“I really enjoy cooking, entertaining and hanging out with friends,” Doll said before the restaurant opened. “So I wanted to try a new hat with this company. We wanted another option.”
After:Something is coming: companies are moving, growing, changing in Massillon
The Social is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. today. The director of the community is Robert McKinney.
On the menu, several selections of American, Asian, Italian and Mexican dishes.
A handful of tables are placed on the Social’s porch, and a selection of private dining rooms, such as Fireside, Musica, Mariposa, and Overlook Lounge on the third floor, are available upon request, Doll said.
A fenced-in concrete back patio was built to accommodate large gatherings, such as wedding receptions, birthdays, anniversaries and graduation parties, as well as other social events, Doll said.
New Social car park at Maison de Pierre
Although Sandy Doll takes care of the day-to-day operations of the Social, the owner is her husband, Jeff Doll, who runs Jeff’s Motorcars in County Stark.
Jeff Doll told Massillon city council on Monday that he had recently bought a house behind the Social, which is due to be demolished to make way for a new parking lot.
An economic development incentive grant of $ 10,000 was requested by Doll with the city to help pay for parking
City Councilor Linda Litman called the Social a close, high-quality destination for city residents, as well as an attraction for those living outside of the city limits.
“I really think it’s an asset to Massillon and a beautiful historic house that has been revitalized into something new,” Litman said.
The Social is a “multi-purpose place,” according to Litman, noting the three floors and unique individual rooms in the stone house.
“You can book a private room for dinner. It’s an upscale place and very welcoming,” she said.
History of the stone house
The old sandstone mansion was built before the Civil War by John Long, according to a 2007 paper from the Stark County Historical Society.
The house’s original address was 824 E Main St. It became Lincoln Way E in the late 1920s.
The house was owned by a number of local businessmen, including William and Laura Humberger, who lived in the house in the early 1900s and operated a dry goods store in downtown Massillon. Blaine Zuver, who was the treasurer and general manager of Enterprise Aluminum Company, owned the house in the early 1920s, according to historical company documents.
From 1948 to 1993, the first floor of the house served as a dentist’s office when Dr. Frederick L. Lauster occupied the stone mansion.
Before the Dolls bought the house, a couple lived in the Stone House. Anthony and Beverly DeRenzo owned the house until 2002.
Another ‘Doll-icious’ food seal opening
Jeff and Sandy’s daughter, Chloe Doll, is scheduled to open a new restaurant on July 23 at 112 First St. NE. The theme of Chloe’s Diner will take customers back to the 50s, 60s and 70s, with many classic cars from those decades parked inside.
Antique motorcycles, scooters, jeeps, neon signs, antique gas station pumps and replica statues are scattered around Chloe’s dining room.
The dinner menu will include burgers, hot dogs, fries, milkshakes, onion rings and more.
Join Steven at [email protected].
On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE
Social at Stone House in numbers
Built: Mid 1800s
Address: 824 Lincoln Road East
Working hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Planned occupation: About 50 people at a time
To make a reservation: Call 330-809-0461
Need a job: Call Manager Robert McKinney at 330-904-4824
