Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 18, 2025 ~ Malden Musings ~ Erle Stanley Gardner Mural Dedication By Peter Levine T he accompanying picture reads: “Erle Stanley Gardner’s successful legal career furnished him with background for some of the most popular mystery stories of all time. His famous fiction has been translated into thirteen languages and is dramatized on radio. The somber street behind him suggests the scenes where Perry Mason, Mr. Gardner’s fictional hero and courtroom genius, ever walks alone.” Malden Arts, who loves ya baby (said in my best Kojak voice)! I nearly bust out of my trousers (hey, no wisecracks!) when I heard the news that the Bike to the Sea/walking path would now feature a mural to Perry Mason writer, Malden native Erle Stanley Gardner! Freddy Seager used his considerable artistic skills once again to create one of the very best murals in Maldonia! Period! A thing of beauty for all to enjoy! Erle was born way back in 1889 and was a Maldonian until 1899, when his dad heard the call “Go west, young man!” Just for the record, he is one of us! Gabba gabba, hey! ESG was one of the most prolific writers in American literary history — also working as a rancher, amateur geologist, photographer, archaeologist, engineer, astronomer and forensic criminologist — and selling slush on Revere Beach in his spare time (I kid on the last one). When I lived on Seaview Ave., I would short cut up Dale Street, and each time I drove by the house (5 Dale) he was born in, I would give him a big old-fashioned Maldonia salute and thank him for bringing so much joy into our lives. True story! From what I have read, he Vintage Life magazine ad featuring Erle Stanley Gardner & Ballantine Ale Mid-grade Regular 2.87 3.35 3.52 $3.47 Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 ULS Full Service $2.99 moved to 24 Bowers Ave. by age three. A man of many talents and considered a true “renaissance man,” Erle may not have spent much time in Maldonia, but we are proudly claiming him as one of us! Did he sled down Granville Ave. in the winter, dodging early motor vehicles and, most likely, a few horses and buggies?! I like to think so. A little historical perspective on ESG’s birth year, 1889: • Linden on the Saugus Order online at angelosoil.com Branch was a few years away from being immortalized by Maldonian Elliot Paul. • The Post Office is still located Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net on Pleasant Street (where Faces sits today), with Peter Myles starting that year. • Malden Square was referred to as Malden Centre and had four movie theaters. • There was no Devir Park aka Craddock Field yet. • The “Malden Canal” took more twists and turns in Malden than a Nuno Bettencourt guitar solo! Apropos of absolutely nothing... Fave Perry Mason episode? Season 1, episode 23, “The Case of the One-Eyed Witness.” Call me shallow if you wish, but anything that Angie Dickinson plays in... well, fuhgeddaboudit! I love ESG and I did love Ballantine Ale before it was so cruelly ripped out of my life when PBR discontinued producing it. No need for condolences, I am somewhat over it now. But I digress... Erle loved Bally also as witnessed by this double page Life magazine ad from way back in the day. It currently hangs in my living room with a memorial candle below it religiously lit on March 11 in memory of ESG’s passing. Here ya go, Maldonia, enjoy: “How would you put a glass of Ballantine Ale into words?” Here, the creator of Perry Mason has a try at it... Erle Stanley Gardner — Rancho Del Paisano — Temecula, California: “If you are calling upon me to put a glass of Ballantine Ale into words, I’m inclined to retain Perry Mason to state the case for me: “Mr. Mason: ‘We offer in evidence this green bottle containing an amber beverage, bearing the famous three-ring label. “‘We propose to prove that the content of this bottle is accepted as the nation’s outstanding ale, from the standpoint of purity, body, flavor. “‘In fact, your Honor, we contend that Ballantine Ale begins where the other brews leave off! And the whole country knows it.’” “The District Attorney: ‘I object! How can you prove that the whole country knows it?’ “Mr. Mason: ‘That fact already has been proved, your Honor. Ballantine is America’s largest selling ale...outsells any other 4 to 1! “‘And, if the court please, may I suggest that the Court try a glass of Ballantine Ale? And when you do, may it please the Court!’” “At this point, Mr. Mason and I rest our case...”—Erle Stanley Gardner. It is said in “Malden Musings”… • Michelle Bucci-Luong! You go girl! Malden has a unique opportunity this election cycle to elect an individual who without question is qualified to serve in Malden city government right now! Ready to hit the ground running on day one no less. Michelle is lifelong Malden (yes, dog whistle) and knows that bringing MalFLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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