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Culture
Cultural activity flourished among Greek-Americans and in the city at large. For Greek audiences there were performances at the Hellenic-American School, plays by local drama groups, weekly dances, and community picnics. People flocked to the Rex Ballroom and the Princeton Inn. Like so many of their peers, ambitious young Greeks including Olympia Dukakis, Dean Tavoularis, and Nick Dennis left Lowell to pursue success. Many others of their generation stayed here and thrived — the Mekelatos siblings, the Sampases, Leo Panas, Lenny Georges and his Magic Violin, Charles Ziavras and Vassilios "Bill" Giavis.

Noted artist Charles Demetropoulos (center),his wife, Phronietta and Mary Sampas stand in front of Demetropoulos’ paintings at the Whistler House, late 1960’s.

Peter Xiggoras (on clarinet) and his group played at many Greek functions, photo 1950’s.

Charles Ziavras, Thea Demoulas and Charles Sampas at Whistler House book signing for Visions of Kerouac which Charles Ziavras published in 1973.

El Vozeolos, sitting in his chair, at Pete’s Restaurant, a popular gathering place, directs a scene for the movie "They All Began To Sing". Brother Arthur Vozeolas at far right is head camera man, 1946.

A spontaneous musical celebration at Parker Gallery— Dan Leahy, Mary Sampas, Angelo Demoulas, and Lewis Karabatsos with Christos Bentas at the piano. Mid 1970’s