Greek-American Historical Museum of Washington State
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Keeping Community
The Greeks in Washington kept their traditions and culture through a variety of sources including social activities, the Orthodox Church, fraternal organizations, sports and music.
From 1972 to 1984 the Greek Radio Hour, with disco cavalaris (disc jockey) Spyridon “Spiro” Demetrios Savvides, served to entertain and inform with music and news from the homeland. This was only one of the many endeavors Spiro developed in his varied career.
The Maids of Athena is the female junior auxiliary of the Daughters of Penelope which is affiliated with AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association). Its membership consists of young women between the ages of 14 and 28. It is also the sister organization to the Sons of Pericles, the male youth affiliate to AHEPA.
In 1954 Sonny Newman was walking by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Spokane when he heard music coming from the basement. Knowing a bit about Greek dancing, of course he went in. This experience expanded his career to include performing and teaching Greek dance.
Susan Auerbach with George Asimakopoulos, Anna Asimakopoulos, Theodora Antipas, Effie Wells, Artemis Delimitrios, Maria Coltos, Frank Halbous, and Maria Lkieros
In April of 2011 while sorting through a box of memorabilia a well-remembered document about Greek music surfaced. A found treasure: “Musical Memories of Nine Seattle Greeks.”
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.