Dr. Deano Trakas, Hoy Professor of American Literature and chair of the english department at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., spoke at the Aug. 16 brown bag lunch program at Lanier Library to a large audience.
Dr. Trakas’ topic was the “The Story of Greeks in Upstate South Carolina.” His family’s presence in this area began when his grandfather, Nicholas Trakas, came to America from Arahova, Greece in 1895 and eventually settled in Spartanburg. In his book, “Because Memory Isn’t Eternal,” Dr. Trakas tells the story of the lives and accomplishments of his ancestors, including pictures, poems, maps and family recipes. With lots of audience participation and Dr. Trakas’ reading from his book, the program was entertaining and informative.
The next brown bag lunch program will be Celtic fiddler, Jamie Laval from Asheville. He will be performing at noon and 7 p.m. at Lanier Library on Sept. 20. The public is invited and the program is free, thanks to a grant from the Kirby Fund.
– article submitted by Lynn Montgomery