Greek-American Pioneer Women of Illinois: The Stories of Georgia Bitzis Pooley, Presbytera Stella Christoulakis Petrakis, Theano Papzoglou Margaris, B: Images of America (Arcadia Publishing)

Produced through the Greek Women's University Club, this is a collection of the struggles and triumphs, the pathos and joy of five women who immigrated to the United States.

Greek women pioneers faced a difficult life when they arrived in the xenia (strange land) from the rural farms of Greece. They did not speak English, were bewildered by crowded Chicago and the alien culture, and unlike their male family, often did not have opportunity to work outside the home. Yet these brave, spirited women triumphed over adversity and embraced their adopted country to become exemplary citizens. Chronicling the stories of Georgia Bitzis Pooley, Presbytera Stella Christoulakis Petrakis, Theano Papazoglou Margaris, Venette Tomaras Askounes Ashford, and Senator Adeline J. Geo-Karis, this book showcases the life stories of immigrant pioneer women, their families, friends, and the emerging Greek-American community of Illinois.