Greeks in Newark are remembered in new historical book

While population was small, they helped shape city > Newark’s Greek Community is remembered in a new coffee-table book available through the Newark Public Library.

“Remembering Newark’s Greeks: An American Odyssey” was written by Angelique Lampros of West Orange, a Newark native and a former administrator and educator in the South Orange/Maplewood school district.

The book evokes the Greek experience in Newark through the voices of immigrants and their children, along with photographs, documents and memorabilia. Lampros will sign the book at 6 p.m. November 30 at Snuffy’s Pantagis Renaissance, 250 Park Ave., off Route 22, in Scotch Plains.

The book, which is on sale for $40, will be available for purchase that evening, and is also available through the Newark Public Library. All proceeds from the book will benefit the library’s Hellenic Heritage Fund.

Statistically, the Greeks were a small portion of Newark’s population, numbering about 8,000 at their peak in the early 20th century, but their presence helped shape the city. Between the 1920s and 1950s, 65 percent of the city’s downtown eateries were owned and run by Greeks.

For more information, to reserve a copy of the book, or to make reservations at the November 30 signing, call (973) 424-1832. Information about the book is also available on the library’s Web site, www.npl.org/greek

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