Excerpts from the newsletter published by The Greek Museum, Vol. # 2

Researching the history of the
Greek Americans in this area reveals
fascinating facts to be used in the first exhibit

"Why does the story of the Greek immigrant matter?" This is a recurring question we hear frequently and in many forms. Perhaps, as we gather together during this holiday time with our family and friends, we can discuss "why" this story is important. All of us are guilty of taking much for granted. Our successes, big and small, are often accepted, without question, without reflection of where our forefathers and we came from and what that means to us today- what it will mean to our children in the future. As we celebrate and look ahead to the New Year, what a wonderful opportunity for each of us to reflect, discuss, question and savor the rich history that is indeed the tapestry of the Greek-American experience.

Our cultural heritage may be fractured, but there is a unifying bond of "greekness" be it language, music, traditions, church, food. Our resourcefulness and seemingly inexhaustible creativity has propelled us into a successful ethnic population. In less than l75 years, we have made our mark. As we continue to move forward, we should preserve our history and record our story. We hope you share our determination, to establish a museum and record our history, not only for now, but also for true generations.
Each person has a story to tell. Do you want to share it with others? Talk to your elders, ask about YOR past; LOOK for old pictures, FIND old artifacts. They are vital and irreplaceable threads of our wonderful heritage!

And from the "Florists' World"

The story goes that a seafaring sailor, named Constantine Bambis, traveled from his home in lower Manhattan up to Fifth Avenue and 42 Street, where he loved to pick the wildflowers. One
day, he was approached by a woman who bought his bouquet. He decided that this was the perfect trade for him. He is credited with opening the very first flower shop in l853. Others followed and by l885, the biggest one was run by George Giatras on Columbus Avenue. By l909, there were 137 florists listed in the New York City census! Their impact lasted for decades!

How did the Greek Orthodox Church start in New York?

Prince George of Greece visited New York in l89l. He suggested to Solon Vlasto, a newspaper owner of the newly published "Atlantis", to form a fraternal organization, "Athena", with the sole purpose of establishing a Greek Church under the Patriarchate of Greece. As a result, forty-five members met and established the "Church of the Holy Trinity in l891. It was located at 340 West 53 Street. They rented space from the Protestant Church there. A second Greek Orthodox Church opened in l893 in the basement of Judson Memorial Church in Washington Square. It was named Annunciation and it was established under the Patriarchate of Constantinople. By l9l6, there were four churches in the New York area.

Greek athletes excel in wrestling, long distance running, and baseball.

The thrill of competition in sporting events was exemplified by a number of Greek born men who tested their abilities in the American sports arena. One such person was Michael Flompouriadis, (Flomp), who came to New York and completed in the Greek- American Athletic Club, Hermes Athletic Club and other Hellenic organizations. He is pictured below with some of his medals.

Another famous sports figure was Jim Londos, born as Christopher Theophelus in the late l800's, and who got into wrestling almost by accident...He capitalized o his good looks, and by the 1930' had the title: " The Golden Greek". He won the New York State World Title NYSAC titles in l937. His fame was legendary in wrestling.

The early Greek immigrants could not understand the importance of baseball as a profit-making business. They looked upon it as a rather simple sport. Nevertheless, their children pursued their talents into major league baseball. One of the most notable was Billy Loes, who was born in Astoria, New York on December l3, l929. His father changed his name from Semertzis to Loes, and worked as a laborer in the fur industry. Billy Loes is the only Greek-American to pitch in four World Series games where he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was inducted into the Brooklyn Hall of Fame.

Three Greek American women also played in the All American Professional Baseball League in the l930's: Vicky Panos, Kay Lionikdas, and Annastasia Batikis. More on them to follow.

Michael Flomp (Floumbouriadis) circa l930.