Greek-American Historical Museum of Washington State

Church

Stitching Through Time
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Clara Nicon
Assumption First Generation Making a Home Northern Greece Philoptochos Seattle Sewing

With over 80 years of sewing experience Clara Nicon (nee Chakos) was asked why she never considered selling her work. Her reply? “Never, never. I think of it as sharing my talents.”

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A Journey of Many Experiences
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Angelina Larson
First Generation Ionian Islands Making a Living Saint Demetrios Seattle

For Angelina (nee Mulenos) Larson, it was her voice and musical talent that brought a zest for life that remains to this day.

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Why Christto, not Christo?
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Christto Tolias
Central Greece Education GAPA Making a Living Saint Demetrios Seattle

Why does this man spell his name with two “t”s and what were the keys to his happiness as a Greek in the city of Seattle?

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Go Greek Go
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Jerry Costacos
Assumption Business Owner Cars Exhibits First Generation Making a Living

Two signs hang on Jerry Costacos’ office door. On his 40th birthday, one of his employees put a sign saying “THE GOLDEN GREEK – O CRISO ELLHN.” Another sign saying “GO GREEK GO” had been placed there by a good friend.

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Dance Gives Voice to the Soul
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Yvonne Hunt
Assumption Exhibits Greece Keeping Community Saint Demetrios Seattle

For those who know a few Greek dance steps and those having grown up with the usual syrto, tsamiko, hassapiko dances at weddings and other celebrations, it becomes routine. For Yvonne Hunt, dancing is a way of expressing the deeper meaning of the culture.

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The Plumakia
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Fran, Alice, George, and Paul Plumis
Bar Central Greece Education Exhibits First Generation GAPA Making a Home Military Philoptochos Saint Demetrios Seattle

Four children, 13 men named George, a happy family life and unselfish dedication to their church and community.

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Spin’s Friendly Entrepreneurial Style
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Spiro Nicon
Aegean Islands Assumption Bar Exhibits Immigrant Making a Living Seattle

In the 1900s many Greeks found financial success in the food and beverage businesses. Spiro “Spin” Nicon’s entrepreneurial skills, honesty and friendly personality made him one of those Greeks in Seattle.

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