A Special Thank You!
The Federation of Sterea Hellas extends its heartfelt appreciation to Anastasios (Tom) Tsaganos for his dedication and leadership over the decades preserving our history. His lifelong commitment ensures that the legacy of The Federation of Sterea Hellas, our cultural roots, and the contributions of our community are captured and passed down to future generations.
Bringing this vision into the digital age required an outstanding team effort. We extend our appreciation to Georgia Diamantis, Kiki Hatzis, George Kanis, and John Tsigas, whose hard work and technical expertise brought our historical archives into the modern era.
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Barlum Hotel
On May 18, 1945, the Sterea Hellas organizations “Athanasios Diakos” of Chicago and Detroit formed a committee in Chicago, Illinois, to establish a federation of all existing organizations in the USA and Canada.
The committee organized a convention at Detroit’s Barlum Hotel on October 31, 1945.
Participating organizations:
“Athanasios Diakos”: Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois and New York, New York
“Aitoloakarnanon Association”: New York, New York
“Distomo Association”: Chicago, Illinois
“Panagia Prousiotisa”: New York, New York
“Parnassis Society”: Newark, New Jersey
“Velouhi Evritanon Society”: Charlotte, North Carolina
“Thermopylai Society” (Lake County): Hammond, Indiana
“Lambros Katsonis Association”: Toledo, Ohio
The delegates formed the Federation and adopted its Constitution on October 31, 1945, incorporating all prior decisions and subsequent amendments. The Federation of Sterea Hellas, Inc. was incorporated in New York State on May 21, 1946.
Helen Papanikolas 1917-2004
Born in Cameron city in Carbon County, Utah.
Father: George Zeese (Zisimopoulos) born in Klepa, Nafpaktia 1886–1983
Mother: Emilia Papachristou born in Klepa, Nafpaktia 1892–1984
Life & Work
She studied and became an author. She dedicated her writings to all immigrants, especially the Hellenes in Utah and the surrounding area. She wrote and published many books, focusing particularly on the first Greek immigrants. She also documented numerous oral histories from early Greek immigrants and their families.
All of her books, papers, and writings were donated to the University of Utah and the Utah State Historical Society.
Family & Legacy
She had one son, Zeese, who is currently a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and a daughter, Thalia.
Mrs. Papanikolas received numerous awards for her substantial contributions to cultural history and was widely honored throughout her lifetime.
Roumelioton Cultural Center
The Roumelioton Cultural Center (Πνευματικό Κέντρο Ρουμελιωτών) is a non-profit art and exhibition space in Athens, Greece, serving as a cultural hub for people originating from Roumeli (Central Greece).
The center actively promotes Greek heritage, fine arts, literature, and classical music by hosting painting exhibitions, book launches, poetry readings, lectures, and community gatherings. It also features classical music performances and youth orchestra concerts, frequently held under the auspices of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens.
Several thousands of dollars were donated from North American Roumeliot associations, led by the Federation of Sterea Hellas USA & Canada, assisting in the building’s construction.
Kourlis Ranch
Harry Kourlis 1892-1995
Harry Kourlis traveled to America alone at 16 years of age in 1908, entering through Ellis Island during the peak of European immigration
The Patriotic Society Distomiton
1970 – Chicago
Officers and member of the Patriotic Society Distomiton.
1978 National Convention
In 1978, the 33rd National Convention was held in New York.
Supreme President Mr. H. TSAPAS and University Professor Mr. EYSTATHIOU present honorary plaques to former Supreme Presidents and to Mr. Jim NIKOLAOU for their work in OSEAK.
1990 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
An official ceremony took place in 1990 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece.
Minister Nikolaos Gkelestathis, shown at the front left, inspecting a Hellenic Army honor guard alongside Supreme President Dimitrios Kozonis and former OSEAK Supreme Presidents Leonidas Lolis and Christos Tsapas.
1996 National Convention
The 1996 National Convention was held in Athens, Greece. Pictured in the center in the Very Rev. Psyhogios. To his left Athanasios Vitas, Jim Kozonis, Athanasios Tsigas, Leonidas Lois, Alex Floros, Mrs. F. Potakis president and past Prime Minister Grivas, unknown, and Mr. and Mrs. John Maglaras.
2001 Washington, D.C.
Greek Independence Day Parade
Past Supreme Secretary Soctrates Vasiliou is dressed in a traditional Roumeliotan costume accompanied by members of the Roumeliotes of Washington, D.C. Past Supreme President’s Pete Spiropoulos and Theodore Sakkos.
