The Greek Community of Lowell, Massachusetts

Culture

Despite the severe economic stringencies of the Depression years, people from the Greek community of Lowell counted many achievements in the arts, literature, music, and theater. Many individuals from the community gained national prominence, including Leonard Georges, Charles Demitropoulos, Dean Tavoularis, Olympia Dukakis, Nicholos Contos. The talents of people in church groups and amateur musical or theater organizations enhanced the culture of the Greek community in Lowell. Many individuals, such as musician Charles Pelley, succeeded in enriching community life by sharing their talents.

The Greek Patriarch Athenagoras I, who became Archbishop of North and South America, recognized the Greek American community in Lowell for its record of cultural and artistic expression by naming Lowell the Metropolis of Hellenism in the United States.

People from the Greek community in Lowell had access to cultural offerings in the culturally broader community. These offerings included Academy of Music on Dummer Street. The people could also see a show at the Lowell Opera House or spend five cents to see an afternoon double feature at the Rialto, the Capital, the Strand, or RKO Keith's theaters.

Constantine Mavros,
violinist

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Culture