Greek influence still lingers in downtown Rehoboth Beach
Anyone with an interest in Rehoboth history will learn a lot from an upcoming lecture covering “Depression Era Rehoboth and the Greek Families That Revived It.”
The talk will begin at 7:15 p.m., Thursday, March 14, in the Sussex Room at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, with Paul Lovett, creator of the miniature village diorama of 1910 Railroad Era Rehoboth, offering his research findings and insights.
In 1907, Tom Pachides came to Rehoboth Beach as a penniless immigrant from Greece. Twenty years later, he and Rudolf Dolle founded Dolle’s candy store on the north corner of Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk. They also established Playland, a popular entertainment venue. It was just prior to the 1929 stock market crash.
Nevertheless, Pachides would inspire Greek friends George Gouvas (George’s Lunch) and Nick Papajohn (Belhaven Hotel) to join him in Rehoboth. Papajohn invited his brothers-in-law, Christ and Jimmy Trahos (Carlton Hotel) to come as well. Today, descendants of those folks operate iconic businesses and/or own significant property in Rehoboth Beach.
A donation of $25 is requested for the lecture. Proceeds in excess of expenses will go to sustain the diorama project. To reserve a seat, call Lovett at 302-893-9391.
Attendees are encouraged to begin with dinner in the beautiful Victoria’s Restaurant next to the lecture venue. Reservations should be made for 5:30 p.m. or earlier to allow time for an enjoyable meal before the presentation begins; call 302-227-0615 to reserve dinner seats.
