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Community Life

Community organizations provided the basis for both formal and informal gatherings. From the beginning of their immigration to America, Greeks organized local, regional, and national "organosis" to promote their community interests.

Two influential national organizations with a presence in Lowell, Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) and GAPA (Greek American Progressive Association), sponsored a range of cultural and social events in the community. The AHEPA and GAPA both sought to advance Greek presence in the United States. On the other hand, ethnic societies like the Pan-Arcadians and the Pan-Macedonians worked to conserve the distinct culture of the old world. In addition to organized activities, informal community activities occurred when Greeks met in coffee houses or participated in picnics and outings.

Many of the Greek societies were organized and led by women. The Myrophoros (literally translated to English as ‘carrying the poor’) and the Philoptochos helped families in need during the Depression. The Sappho Club, the Greek-American League of Women Voters, the Muses of Helicon, and the Daughters of Penelope all worked for the betterment of their people and communities. Alpha Epsilon Phi, the Hermes Social Club, and the Demosthenes Democratic Club were some of the other organizations of the 1930's.

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