Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Wednesday, December 24, 2025 ~ Malden Musings ~ Mike’s Café Revisited By Peter Levine “A Christmas Prayer (Redux).” The year, 1943 — Americans were fighting for their way of life, united against a common enemy. Maldonians are very much included. We came together as a nation with an indomitable spirit led by what would later be christened as “the greatest generation.” The free world would not bend. While the horrors of war raged, we clung to our faith in the inherent goodness of humanity. During these times, our conviction never broke. This prayer offered up by the New York Life Insurance Company in a 1943 Life Magazine full-page ad illustrates what the Christmas Season has meant to generations of Americans through the best of times — and the worst: “Let us pray that strength and courage abundant be given to all who work for a world of reason and understanding. That the good that lies in every man’s heart may day by day be magnified. That men will come to see more clearly not that which divides them, but that which unites them. That each hour may bring us closer to a final victory, not of nation over nation, but of man over his own evils and weaknesses. That the true spirit of this Christmas Season — its joy, its beauty, its hope, and above all its abiding faith - may live among us. That the blessings of peace be ours - the peace to build and grow, to live in harmony and sympathy with others, and to plan for the future with confidence.” Apropos even today. I would like to send out Dr. Rosemonde Paulo DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC Mindset Psychiatric & Wellness LLC 26 Ferry St., Everett, MA 02149 Phone: (781) 242-5401 Fax: (781) 205-1973 Email: Info@mindsetpsychiatricwellness.com my sincerest condolences to the Czechowski and Wishoski families on the (April 2025) passing of Lillian T. Czechowski. Lillian was a devoted lifetime daughter of Malden; her roots planted firmly in the city’s soil. Educated at Immaculate Conception Grammar School and later at Girls Catholic High School (Edgeworth), her early years were shaped by faith, tradition and community. For many years, she lent her warmth and work ethic to her family’s cherished establishment, Mike’s Café — a local landmark known for its hospitality and as a neighborhood gathering place. A woman of quiet grace and enduring faith, Lillian lent her voice to the choir of Immaculate Conception Be prepared before the next power outage. of steady hands and stern smile — a guy who made everyone feel like they belonged (once you earned his respect, that is). I had heard rumors that on occasion underage drinkers could be found consuming large quantities of draft beer at Mike’s but — scout’s honor — I never saw one underage drinker at Mike’s my entire life. Insert holiday smiley face. A few deep-cut Walter Mike’s Café December 1951 calendar accompanied by a Wednesday, November 10, 1993, calendar page signed by Walter (Wishoski) before he shouted “last call” for the very last time at Mike’s — shuttering their iconic doors forever. Chris Moro signature. Parish, a place that remained a spiritual anchor throughout her life. She gave of herself generously through her work with the Catholic Daughters and cultivated both beauty and fellowship as a dedicated member of the Melrose Garden Club. Her life, rich in service and spirit, reflects a deep love for community and the quiet strength of a life welllived. Rest in peace, Lillian. “Wyatt Earp, Wyatt Earp, brave Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535. Call 866-852-0221 to schedule your free quote! courageous and bold. Long live his fame and long live his glory and long may his story be told.” Mike’s Café was one of the (many) legendary “old men’s bars” or “dive bars” (as the kids call them today) in Malden. Mike’s was located where the ghost of Papa’s Bar & Grille now resides; while Papa’s was an outstanding watering hole/eatery — it was not Mike’s. Before it closed its doors, I was a semi-frequent visitor there. The late Walter Wishoski was the equally as legendary bartender when I first started having a legal draft or two — he Wishoski memories: Digging into his high school yearbook reveals that Walter was a full-blown Connie Francis zealot — the kind of fan who probably knew her B-sides by heart. He also served on two of the era’s most spirited-sounding committees: “Swing ‘n Spring” and the legendary “Pigskin Panic.” Outside the social scene, he was reportedly an avid consumer of warfare literature — battle tactics over beach reads. Walter was unique. I’ve known Walter’s lovely sister Diane since my youthful days at Devir Park (she still holds a top spot on my all-time “Devir Park’s Prettiest Girls” list), and his brother Steve, the longtime head honcho at the M.R.A. and sports stud at MC as well as having a wealth of Maldonia history. Come nice weather and better temps, I’ll be planting myself next to Steve with notebook in hand and a Bikeeny Caffe coffee by my side, ready to mine his memory banks for golden Malden stories. But I digress... Before it became Papa’s Bar & Grille, it was Mike’s Café, where most of the yoots of Edgeworth had their first taste of demon alcohol. Thirty-five cent drafts! The jar of pickled eggs on the bar next to the cash register consumed only by the brave of heart. The old saw goes that a newbie to the bar asked Walter where the ashtray was. His reply: “You’re standing in it!” My first venture into Mike’s was around 1973 as a sophomore at Malden High School (I think the drinking age was 12 at
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