Sweet Greeks: First-Generation Immigrant Confectioners in the Heartland

Gus Flesor immigrated to the United States from Greece in 1901 and opened a confectioner's business in Tuscola, Illinois, which still stands on Main Street. Sweet Greeks tells the story of his life as an immigrant and the Midwest émigré experience of chain migration, immigrant networking, resistance, and food-related entrepreneurship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Gus Flesor, a Greek immigrant, arrived in the United States in 1901 and settled in Tuscola, Illinois. There, he learned the confectioner's trade and opened a business that continues to thrive on Main Street. Sweet Greeks: The Story of Gus Flesor's Life as an Immigrant in a Small Town is a captivating personal account by Ann Flesor Beck that captures the essence of her grandfather's candy kitchen, with its delightful aromas of chocolate and popcorn and the comings and goings of family members. The Store, a symbol of success, played a pivotal role in the business district of Gus's chosen home, while also embodying the Midwest émigré experience of chain migration, immigrant networking, resistance, and threats from local townspeople. It also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of food-related businesses and the tensions surrounding the question of whether later generations would take over the family business. Sweet Greeks offers a delightful blend of family memoir and Midwest history, shedding light on how Greeks became candy makers to the nation, one shop at a time.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 234 x 155 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252085314