the greeks in america
by J. P. Xenides
Category: Greeks

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1922 edition. Excerpt: ... Chapter III THE GREEKS IN AMERICA (Continued) SOCIAL CONDITIONS Improved social conditions.--Now, as a rule, people are living in more sanitary conditions than formerly. Greeks, like other immigrants, adapt themselves to circumstances. Those who arrive at any port in the United States searching for work are glad to find a place to put their head. The whole family of four, five or more get along for a time in one room, hut as soon as they get work and improve their circumstances, they seek hetter quarters with improved conditions of living. EECBEATION Coffee-houses.--Greeks have brought to America their customs and modes of recreation from the old country. Coffee-houses provide the principal recreation for men. People flock to these places day and night, sitting around tables, sipping black coffee, smoking cigars, or more commonly cigarettes, or the narghile, and discussing everything, --business, news of national interest, and of course the politics of Greece and the attitude of Americans towards them. At times they discuss American politics. There are often animated discussions that might be taken for quarrels by those who do not understand Greek, but it is all verbal, no blows exchanged excepting the blows the tables or chairs receive. Greeks, like the Latin people, accompany their words with multiple gestures of hands and head, maybe even the foot, or the whole body. Games.--Certain games are played in almost all the coffee-houses, --cards, backgammon, chess, and dominoes. Cards are the most common game. They are often played for pastime and recreation. Gambling.--But unfortunately gambling is frequently connected with them. Almost every answer to my questionnaire mentioned gambling as the chief evil among the Greeks in America. Id.