Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"The stories in the book are still relevant today, and the midwestern history is easy to devour because the places are familiar. . . . This book paired with some sweets from Flesor’s Candy Kitchen would be perfect for anyone in central Illinois with a sweet tooth." --
Smile Politely"This remarkable story is both unique and universal. It is the story of tenacious immigrant entrepreneurs overcoming enormous odds to find that sweet spot, making candy that would become a permanent feature of American daily life."--Ken Albala, author of
Noodle Soup: Recipes, Techniques, Obsession"The value of
Sweet Greeks rests in its recovery of the names and personal stories of immigrant confectioners operating candy stores in small, Midwestern towns. Once an important niche for Greek entrepreneurs, candy stores also provided community spaces. Then they disappeared. Could their revival breathe life into rural communities?"--Donna Gabaccia, coauthor of
Gender and Migration: From the Slavery Era to the Global Age"Ann Flesor Beck brings to life the workings of chain migration and networking with vivid stories of the newcomers who worked strategically to found the once-ubiquitous soda fountains of the small-town midwest. Embedded in the history of southeastern European immigration, nativist American prejudice, and immigrant persistence, she offers a revelatory view of immigrant generations that serves us well today." --Leslie Page Moch, author of
Broad Is My Native Land: Repertoires and Regimes of Migration in Russia’s Twentieth Century"A grand achievement." --
National HeraldTable of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1. Foundations
Chapter 2. The Journey: 1880-1930
Chapter 3. Acculturation and Americanization
Chapter 4. Finding a Niche in Chicago and St. Louis
Chapter 5. Greeks vs. Goblins
Chapter 6. My Grandfather and His Mentors
Chapter 7. Small City Greek Confectioners
Chapter 8. Small Town Greek Confectioners
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index
