South San Francisco, CA July 23, 2018
Celebrating her 100th Birthday, Evelyn Martin poses with good friends and neighbors Anita, Ike, Betty at the Basque Cultural Center
Photo credit: Betty Reyes
Immigrating from Portugal, Antonio and Maria Martin made their home in South San Francisco over 100 years ago, where they raised their three children Evelyn, Joe, and Al. “I was born in South San Francisco” Evelyn said in an interview with hair dresser Betty (Valencia) Reyes. “On Commercial Avenue where I still live today.” That home happened to be across the street from the Valencia family which included Javier, Anita and Betty who have remained good friends with Evelyn. As the owners of Hairline in Sunshine Gardens, sisters Anita and Betty look forward to Evelyn’s weekly visit. “She comes to Hairline every week to get her hair done and to visit with the friends she has made here.” Betty tells us. “She knows all the local history.”
“I went to schools in Old South City and I played basketball for all four years in High School, I was a Center.” Evelyn said. “When they came from Portugal our family was too poor and I knew I had to attend College.” Evelyn then attended San Mateo Junior College before going to San Francisco State.
“I worked 47 years at Marine Magnesium Plant which later became Merck and Company” said Evelyn as she reminisced about one of the first pharmaceutical companies in South San Francisco that had been located at 500 East Grand Avenue. “I worked for the top man- the Manager, and the Engineer and for the Purchasing Agent, and I worked Saturdays for 19 years because they never got me help. I did it all.”
Her brother Joe worked for PGE and for the government and brother Albert was a contractor. “My brother Albert built 15 houses in South City and not one of them have been effected by any earthquakes.”
Living near door to the Grassi family, Evelyn says her best friend was Val Grassi and her sister Mary. In a November 1961 newspaper clipping Evelyn is one of the organizers for a fashion show to benefit the welfare projects of Court Infant of Prague, Catholic Daughters of America along with other notable matriarchs of South City; Mrs. Joseph Bernal, Mrs. Sam Balestrieri, Mrs. Mario Raffaelli, Mrs. David Ratlo, Mrs. Al Fontana, Mrs. Peter Andreini, Mrs. Herbert Johnson, Mrs Joseph Fregosi, Mrs. Julio Meloni and of course her best friend Val Grassi.
When asked if she ever married, Evelyn said “No, not married but I did get engaged and I did get a gold ring. He died in the war” she said as she threw her hands up in a shrug as if to say ‘that is life’.
Evelyn’s sharp wit and story telling ability makes her the perfect docent at the South San Francisco Historical Museum on Chestnut (80 Chestnut Avenue) where she can still be found today – museum hours Tues and Thurs 2-4pm or call for special appointments at 650/829.3825.
Evelyn received a Certificate of Recognition by the City of South San Francisco Photo credit: Betty Reyes
Knowing how to celebrate big, Evelyn’s party on Friday continued onto Sunday for a big birthday bash that included family and friends at the Basque Cultural Center where she was honored with a Certificate of Recognition by the City of South San Francisco.
Evelyn is celebrated in a big way by family and friends on Sunday afternoon at the Basque Cultural Center Photo credit Betty Reyes
Betty and Anita were raised across the street from Evelyn and remain friends as well as her hair dressers. Photo credit: Betty Reyes
Celebrating a life time friend, Betty and Anita host a birthday party for Evelyn at their shop Hairline where Evelyn goes each week. Photo credit: Betty Reyes
Joining in her 100th Birthday Celebration at Hairline are good friends of Evelyn’s. Photo Credit: Betty Reyes
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Thank you to Betty Reyes for providing background information to us so we could share this great milestone with our larger community as we join in wishing Evelyn Martin a very happy birthday. To view Betty’s interview with Evelyn in full CLICK HERE
To view the video from Evelyn’s 99th birthday celebration at Hairline with Betty, Anita and Ike CLICK HERE
To read about Evelyn’s 99th birthday CLICK HERE.