Greek-American Historical Museum of Washington State

Tacoma

Greek Immigrant Meets Southern Belle
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GREEK IMMIGRANT MEETS SOUTHERN BELLE George and Diane Pirotis’ son, Stavros, has enjoyed a mix of cultures and accents, from his father, a Greek …

“It’s just part of who we are.”
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AHEPA Assumption Church Exhibits First Generation Greece Hobbies Information Technology Keeping Community Organizations Philoptochos Puget Sound Sales Seattle Sports Tacoma Turkey Type of Work Washington State Western Washington

Sisters Mary Lou Barton and Joanne Zarkades contribute innumerable hours to their church, not out of obligation but, just like their mother, it is just part of who they are.

For her kids – A story of the Godulas Family
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My mom, Naouma Filou, was later to became Naouma Godulas. Her story begins in 1918 in the small village of Siatista in the foothills of northern Greece. She said that she was uncertain of the day she was born, so she had just picked a date – Sept. 15th.

An Island Experience in Tacoma
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For sister and brother, Voula Dodd and John John, life in Tacoma included much of the culture and traditions of living on the island of Marmara.

Rediscovering Greek School
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Cars daughters Exhibits Keeping Community Peloponese Philoptochos Saint Nicholas Second Generation Secretary Tacoma

As a youngster in Tacoma, Washington, JoAnn Tryfon’s Greek school lessons did not stay with her. However, in her retirement years she has come to understand and appreciate what she missed as a child.

The Modest Survivor
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Cars Making a Living Military Peloponese Saint Nicholas Second Generation Tacoma

Steve Mallos is not one to brag about his life. Growing up in a rather poor family, he retired as a Vice President of the American Automobile Association (AAA) of Washington despite several injuries and serious illnesses along the way.

Lawyer as Secular Priest
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AHEPA Crete Immigrant law Making a Living Saint Nicholas Tacoma

While Fr. Kouklis conducted baptism or funeral services in the church, his son was in court for an adoption or a will probate.

“My Dear, You Have the Knowledge.”
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This is the reply Elly (Helle) Protopsaltou Pangis received when she humbly said she was not qualified to teach Greek school.

Alexander Pantages: From Poor Greek to Seattle Theater Genius and Hollywood Scandal Story
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Business Owner Immigrant Making a Living Tacoma

The story of Alexander Pantages is one of an epic struggle of poverty-to-riches against the backdrop of business treachery, anti-immigrant sentiment and butting of titanic egos involving Joseph P. Kennedy and press baron, William Randolph Hearst.

Float Like a Butterfly
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The butterfly collection in Ethel Barbas’ home personifies her joyful and optimistic visits with family and friends as she travels the roads in western Washington. Testimony to her travel is her 1997 Honda del Sol with over 350,000 miles.