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A Military Historian
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

A Military Historian

Constantine “Gus” George Chamales retired as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army after a 21-year career. In retirement he has managed the military ministry of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Tacoma, Washington, a task that documents and honors those Church members who have served their country. With a deep interest in history, he has also been able to trace his family back to the 1700s.

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Rediscovering Greek School
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Rediscovering Greek School

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. She has also compiled over 25 books of family photos and documents.

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Partners and Politics in Puyallup
Exhibit Greeks of Washington Exhibit Greeks of Washington

Partners and Politics in Puyallup

Despite their father’s admonitions, Basil and Jim Anton have spent over 40 years together in the restaurant and catering business. Their restaurants, Anton’s and Charlie’s, became centers of political, economic and community activity in Washington’s Puyallup valley.

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An Island Experience In Tacoma
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

An Island Experience In Tacoma

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. In their teenage years, with exposure to American culture, their lives expanded and grew while maintaining the fond memories of their childhood.

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Lawyer as Secular Priest
Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup Personal History Kate Hagan Gallup

Lawyer as Secular Priest

While Fr. Kouklis conducted baptism or funeral services in the church, his son was in court for an adoption or a will probate. With three generations of priests before him, it is no surprise that John Kouklis sees his work as providing meaningful, if not spiritual, services to his clients. As a priest’s son and an attorney, John draws some interesting comparisons of his and his father’s service in Tacoma, Washington.

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Learning the Hard Way
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

Learning the Hard Way

Thomay (from Thomas) “May” Fenerly grew up in a small cottage on Sequim Bay on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula without a road until 1937 and without electricity until 1955.  Despite the challenges of living and learning in a remote location May successfully pursued and developed a career in education.  She has also meticulously documented the family history in words and photos.

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Making Sweet Music Together
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

Making Sweet Music Together

For 58 years, Peter Evans Jr. and Anna Damoulou Evans have maintained their faith, their vows and their musical interests.  They recall many activities in their Greek Orthodox Church, in their community and with their family where music and singing have played an important part. 

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That Sounds Like Greek to Me
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

That Sounds Like Greek to Me

“THAT SOUNDS LIKE GREEK TO ME”

On his first day of school when Lazarus Stylianos Politakis was hit in the head with a baseball bat he cried out for help in his native tongue.  Someone said, “That sounds like Greek to me.”

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Conscience of Education
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

Conscience of Education

When Nick Nickolas was told by the superintendent that the guidance program was the conscience of the Kent School District, he knew he had found the right place to serve in his profession. He has had a very full and successful 35-year career as a teacher, guidance counselor, school psychologist and administrator.

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All You Need is Love
Personal History Greeks of Washington Personal History Greeks of Washington

All You Need is Love

When Aphrodite (Ethel) Turlis Tschida’s first child was born, her love for the baby was overwhelming and she feared that she would not have enough love for future children.  Now, with four children, 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and four more great grandchildren due before the end of 2011, she knows that love only increases with more.

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All Her Greek Somedays
Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington Exhibit, Personal History Greeks of Washington

All Her Greek Somedays

 “Yesterdays are history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift of love, that is why it is called the present.” Katheren (Aikatereni) Armatas (nee Sarantinos) used this quote at the end of a video she prepared.  However, it is fitting to place the quote at the beginning of this exhibit as it so aptly describes the inspiration for her work.  That work includes several contributions to two volumes about Tacoma, Washington, a book about her family’s journey and experiences titled “A Lingering Breeze from Marmara Sea,” a video of early Greek immigrants in Tacoma, and a video of her own poetry, writings and reminiscences. 

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