AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION
Photograph, 1990 - Joilet Chapter 131
Photograph, 1976 - Joilet Chapter 131
Photograph, 1928 - Joilet Chapter 131
Photograph, 1927 - ORDER OF AHEPA JOLIET CHAPETER 131
AHEPA 131 was formed in Joliet Illinois January 26, 1927. There were 35 charter members by March 14th 1927. All were born in Greece, and were of Greek Orthodox faith. There were 32 U.S. Citizens, and 3 had "first papers." Of the 35 charter members, 26 resided in Joliet Illinois, 2 Rockdale Illinois, 1 La Salle Illinois, 2 Chicago Illinois, 1 Bisbee Arizona, 1 Detroit Michigan, 1 Saginaw Michigan, and 1 in Tripolis Greece.
Professions ranged from 10 restaurateurs, 6 confectioners, 3 "hat cleaners", 2 concessionaires, 2 cooks, 2 grocers, 2 hotel owners, 2 launderers, 2 shoe repairers, 1 barber, 1 butcher, 1 mechanic and 1 clerk.
Pictured from left to right *Charter Member
Row 1 -
John Assimomites, Gust Bruskas*, James Diemer, John Ninos*, Sam Pappas*, Tom Kokas*, Emmanuel Georgoudakis (Georgas)*, Anthony Zannis*, Peter Skoufis*
Row 2 -
Nick Demos*, Mike Skiotis, Gust Daros*, Costas Athan*, Spiro Sines, George A Griparis*, Michael Pappas*, Arthur Tsinonis*, James Argoudelis, Gust Georgoulakis*
Row 3-
Perry Diemer, Manos Lambakis, George Strifos, Emmanuel Pappas*, Sam T Pappas*, George Vidalakis*, Spiros Karos*, Spiros Morgan, Michael Pappas*, James Angelos*, George Dimas*
Row 4 -
Gust Loutos*, Anthony Stravazis*(Stavros), Nick Cookas, Peter Delonas, Harry Tsurunis, Peter Karos*,
William Athan, Chris Karagginnes, William Sameos, William Angelus, Theodore Dimas*, James Koukas, Frank Paputsas, Tom Anast*
AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922 in response to the evils of bigotry and racism that emerged in early 20th century American society. It also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society.
Today, AHEPA brings the ideals of ancient Greece, which includes philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence to the community.
Although a majority of the membership is composed of Americans of Greek descent, application for membership is open to anyone who believes in the mission of the organization.
