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Homefront and Aftermath
World War II energized Lowell’s stagnant economy of the 1930s. Mills and factories hummed with three shifts. Greek immigrants who had until now worked part-time could work an extra shift. As the war intensified, labor needs became more critical. Taking war production jobs, women experienced a new social and economic independence. Greece was devastated by World War II and a civil war. Thousands were lost by war and famine. American Greek communities sent food, medicine, and money to rebuild churches and schools. Less restrictive laws allowed a second wave of Greeks to immigrate. The original Greek immigrants returned to visit family and make heartfelt donations in memory of loved ones.

Louis and Olympia Koravos distribute gifts to village children in Thessaly, Greece, 1955.

Costas Caraganis (hatless in center) helps to send
seeds for Greek farmers. Logan Airport, 1947

Greek War Relief Committee meeting to plan for a concert to
aid Greece, 1941 (news article courtesy Lowell Sun).

To help in the war effort, women increasingly worked
in local industry. Bessie Zahos (left) worked at
Remington Arms, 1943.