THE MALDEN ADVOCATE - Friday, February 8, 2019 Page 5 Malden almost 100 years ago By Virginia Ruane I recently came in contact with this old picture of a nice, old restaurant in the old Malden Square, which was taken about 1935. This is a picture of my late husband, Frank. This cute, nice restaurant, where he was working, was right in the middle of Malden Square. The name was Perry’s Restaurant. It was located almost at the corner of Pleasant Street and Washington Street. The restaurant was owned by Mr. Manual Perry, a fair but fi rm boss. The two ladies in the picture were also from Malden. This restaurant was very popular, in the day, with the local businessmen. Its location was perfect for a quick lunch, just what they wanted. You could have a tasty sandwich with dessert and coff ee, and the price was always right. I am sorry to say that Perry’s is no longer there. It was a perfect location for any business. There is a restaurant there now called Mystic Station, next to MATV, and I wish them both the same success that Perry’s had. In the late 40s and early 50s, many local drug stores had a lunch counter. They usually had a schoolboy working behind the counter. His job was to serve ice-cream cones, sundaes and banana splits The boys dishing out these delicacies were called “Soda Jerks” (with respect). The local movie theaters also hired young men to be ushers. There was plenty of ways that the young kids could get jobs in Malden in the good old days (1940-50s). In about the year 1950, my husband and I were taking our walk to the Square. (In those days we did not have a car; in fact, most families did not have a car.) We also did not have a TV. On our walk, we came upon a store called “Gill’s” right on Pleasant Street. In the middle of the front window was a TV with a for sale sign on it. We decided to go in and look around. Of course we saw one that we liked and the price was $100, which we thought was a fair price. So, we became owners of a new TV. Gill’s also did repairs on all electric appliances. We had never heard of Gills, and we were very happy to know it was there. The city of Malden had a lot to off er its citizens in the l940sl950s. Malden has changed in many ways. The people of Malden are now from every nation, religion and ethnic group. We now have new cultures to get to know. And when we get to know them, I think we will like them and welcome them. Malden, still, has a lot to off er its citizens in 2019. Virginia Ruane is a lifelong Malden resident. Send comments and suggestion to virginiaruane@aol.com. dine drink gather enjoy THE NORTH SHORE'S HOTTEST NIGHTCLUB! Saturday, February 9 FUNBUCKET IN THE MUSIC HALL Friday, February 8 THE BLACKOUTS IN THE MUSIC HALL PUNCHY & IN THE LIGHT IN THE MUSIC HALL Friday, February 15 IN THE MUSIC HALL Saturday, February 16 VALENTINE'S PARTY WITH WILDFIRE FrFree Roses for the Ladies!ee Roses for the Ladies! Led Zeppelin Tribute 221 Newbury Street, Danvers For Tickets call (978) 774-7270 or www.breakawaydanvers.com Your career deserves an Encore. Encore Boston Harbor is hiring. Explore thousands of fulfilling careers. You deserve an Encore. In accordance with our host and surrounding community agreements, hiring preference is given to properly qualified residents of the cities of (1) Everett, (2) Malden, and (3) Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Medford, and Somerville.
6 Publizr Home