Elaine Cotsirilos Thomopoulos

Greek-American Pioneer Women of Illinois Elaine Cotsirilos Thomopoulos

Greek-American Pioneer Women of Illinois, produced through the Greek Women's University Club, chronicles the struggles and triumphs, the pathos and joy of five women who emigrated to the United States from 1885 to 1923: Georgia Bitzis Pooley, Presbytera Stella Christoulakis Petrakis, Theano Papazoglou Margaris, Venette Tomaras Askounes Ashford, and Senator Adeline J. Geo-Karis. With over 125 historic photos and documents which span the years 1885 to 2000, this book showcases the life stories of immigrant pioneer women, their families, friends, and the emerging Greek-American community of Illinois. Greek women pioneers faced a difficult life when they arrived in the xenetia ("strange land") from the rural farms of Greece. They did not speak English, and were bewildered by crowded Chicago and the alien culture. Yet these brave, spirited women triumphed over adversity and embraced their adopted country to become exemplary citizens.