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*The Digital Exhibits are in the process of being transferred from our old website. If you cannot find a specific history, please check the internet archives at the Wayback Machine or message museum staff.
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Two for the Museum
Since 2009, John and Joann Nicon have been conducting video interviews with Greeks and Greek-Americans in Washington State. With the help of many others, stories from those interviews have been shared worldwide. Now, here is a little information about John and Joann and their work with the Greek-American Historical Museum of Washington State.
Her Father Called Her “Dascala”
From the time she was a young child, Andrea Topetzes Mann loved to “play school.” The benefit of education through her family and in her life has resulted in a strong dedication to her role as a teacher (dascala).
Greek Immigrant Meets Southern Belle
George and Diane Pirotis’s son, Stavros, has enjoyed a mix of cultures and accents, from his father, a Greek visitor to Seattle in 1977 (and a USA Citizen since 1982), and his mother from a long-standing South Carolina family. Their common values and strong faith have offset any differences in their heritage.
Gifts of Faith and Culture
The Hamilos sisters, Mary and Deena relish their connections with their homeland just as they value their faith and activities in the Greek community of Seattle, Washington.
To Suit the Occasion
Steve and Anna Athan spent over 30 years combining hard work and his tailoring skills to achieve a successful career in Seattle, Washington. They share their stories of growing up on farms in Greece and their experiences in America.
It’s Always Been Mary
Mary George (nee Courounes) has held on tightly to her Greek heritage while living in Seattle, Washington, almost her entire life. She and her husband Harry have experienced the best of both Greek and American lifestyles.
I Get Chills
That’s what Terry Xenos Proios said when she and her siblings gathered to tell their story of emigration from Leros, Greece, and life in Seattle, Washington. Three sisters of the nine-member Xenos family are featured here along with remembrances of their family life.
A Culinary Philosopher
Constantinos “Costas” Nikolaos Antonopoulos brought his skills as a pastry chef to Seattle, Washington, in 1968. From there he expanded his culinary skills and became a successful and respected restaurateur.
Five Generations and Counting
The Derezes and Falangus families were among the first Greek settlers in the northwest United States. Five generations later their descendants have maintained their Greek culture. With only one exception, following the Greek tradition, all have been named after their grandparents.
Ladies of the North
That’s how Vasiliki “Billie” Larimer (nee Babunes) referred to her mother’s group of friends who would gather at their homes for their regular sessions of sewing, cooking and sharing stories. Billie and her sister, Ekaterini “Katie” O’Neil (nee Babunes) share their stories of growing up in Seattle, Washington.
Education, Education, Think First
In 1962 Larry Rouvelas, the father of Emanuel (Manny) Rouvelas and Pauline (Rouvelas) Spyridis, purchased the Athenian Inn, Seattle, Washington’s landmark restaurant in the Pike Place Market, from his uncles who founded it in 1908. Manny and Pauline share stories about their family life, continual quest for education and constant reminder from their father to “think first.”
Out of the Detroit Bubble
Tom, Helen and Demetra Barbas’ family moved to Seattle, Washington, in November of 1944 from a protective Greek “bubble” in Detroit, Michigan. From there, the Barbas children blossomed as they assimilated into their new Northwest society.
Float Like A Butterfly
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.
Not Lost in Translation
As a bilingual legal secretary, Molly Conom interpreted and translated for her boss, attorney Gust Kostakos, who spoke only English which his Greek-speaking clients did not know.
Many Strangers, Two Little Kisses
Pauli (Pauline) Cave’s name is interesting. Her given name, Polixeni, literally translated means many strangers and her first married name, Diafos, was originally Diafilakis or two little kisses.
At Home On Land Or Sea
Bill and Jeanne Kaimakis have shared many wonderful and challenging moments both in houses on land and on a 50-foot ocean-going vessel. Now settled in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood, they share stories of their Greek-American experiences.
Float Like a Butterfly
The butterfly collection in Ethel Barbas’ home illustrates 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. Born in Tacoma, Washington, Ethel (Anthe) Evans (Evangelou) has roots in Everett and Seattle as well.
Bringing the Cooking Back Home
Born, raised and educated in Washington State, Theodora Cokinakis Geokezas spent 31 years in Minnesota raising her family, serving her community and polishing her culinary skills. Back in Seattle since 1999, she continues to contribute her skills to her church and community.
Finding Good Fortune
For the three Carkonen brothers, a learned work ethic, emphasis on family values and strong relationships within the Greek community have aided their success in both business and in life.
Close Cousins
The John Gregores and Nick Carras families lived near each other in Seattle, Washington, among a large number of Greek families. Two of their children, cousins Basil Gregores and Vicky Carras Kangles, share their memories of growing up in the Greek community.