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The Hellenic Community of Saskatoon:"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues." Cicero
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The inherent desire of every human being for an improvement in economic and social status was surely the primary reason for the Hellenic emigration to North America over 150 years ago. In 1851 the first Greek of whom we know came to Canada. He was George Nikolas Kapiotis, born in Kyme on the island of Euboea in 1823.3
A map of Greece and Asia Minor1980
Greece and Asia Minor
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Despite this early immigration, there were few Greeks in Saskatoon at the turn of the century. Most were single men who had served in the Greek military and were largely uneducated. Although initially these young men intended to work for several years and then return home, some gradually formed partnerships and eventually started businesses, usually cafes. As more immigrants arrived, they were absorbed into these businesses.5
Other members of the Barootes family in 1922 in Athens.1922
Athens, Greece
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Hellenic Immigrants retained strong ties to Greece and to their families there. However, many established roots in Canada through business and marriage. Among these early families were some members of the Barootes family, who came to Winnipeg in 1913 and later moved to Saskatoon.7
The Gardener Family. Back row from the left: Ted. H.; Theo; Ted B. Front row: Effie; Pearl; Joe1930
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The Gardener family emigrated to Saskatoon at the same time as the Barootes family.9
Two of Saskatoon's early Greek immigrants in later years. Chitsas, George and Pelehos, Tony (L-R)1940
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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These new immigrants maintained a close feeling of community and continued to communicate in their native Greek language. Although many began in the restaurant business as cooks and dishwashers, because of their limited resources, lack of schooling and poor command of English, their experiences provided them with the training to start their own businesses later.11
Pelehos, Tony, with his popcorn stand.1940
The corner of 2nd Ave. and 21st St., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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One early enterprising Greek immigrant was Tony Pelehos who operated a popcorn stand on the corner of 2nd Avenue and 21st Street for many years.13
Kazakos, Basil and Barootes, Chris, in the Patricia Café.1921
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Most Greek restaurants were family businesses. The first Greek-owned restaurant in Saskatoon was the Patricia, opened in 1920 by Basil Barootes, who was later joined in the business by his three brothers. |
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