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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Mar 15, 2005 23:17:02 GMT -5
Anyone have any old memories of ice cream and food at Zaharakos? Seems kind of fragile these days, I hope it has a future. It would be a tragedy if it ever closes and all those treasures get auctioned off. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see it restored and get the ice cream churning again and the candy cases filled?
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Post by Nancy Stevens on Mar 16, 2005 8:52:21 GMT -5
Memories of Zaharakos? Ricky, of course, of course. Am sure that many do. We just have to get them onto this site. (And am finding that I am adding in a few other "food memories" as well ;-) In my memory it was always called "The Greeks." Without a bit of research, I wouldn't know when the business actually started, (might say in the National Geographic that had an article about Columbus, can't put my hands on it at the moment) but know that my parents went there when they were in high school, graduating CHS in '28 (Charlie Stevens) and '29 (Rosanna Smith.) Somewhere on this message board I did read a post made about "The Greeks." There was a little, child-sized, round, I believe, table with the "bended metal" chair backs and it was always so special, as a kid, to be able to sit there with your little friend, while your parents sat at another table, adult size, to visit over---in my mom's case, her favorite, a chocolate soda. To this day, my mom's eyes will light up like a Christmas tree at the mere mention of a chocolate soda, to which she would add, "from The Greeks!" Come the time when I was in Jr. High and allowed to go to the movies with friends, there were always long lines to use the phone after the show, free of charge, in a little room about half way back on the left as you came in, just before the many cases of candy on display, and you called home to have parents come pick you up. There was always time to get a treat before they would arrive to pick you up. Think it must have been about this point in my life when I developed a taste for "The Greeks" wonderful "red sarsaparilla." AND in no way did it taste like what is out there today, advertised as "sarsaparilla!" I've tried them all! Somewhere in my memory lurks the thought that one of the Zaharako brothers came to CA many years ago now and visited my folks and we talked about those "sarsaparillas." He said that they were no longer able to purchase the syrup to make it like what I remembered. When I would return to visit in Columbus, my first stop would always be at "The Greeks" for a "sarsaparilla," with many stops during the visit for another and another, and yet one more. Another favorite of mine from "The Greeks" was the wonderful cinnamon balls. You bought them "bulk," with no cellophane wrappers, delivered in a white sack, and ten cents bought quite a few. Seems to me there was a drug store on a corner east of CHS, and one could get cinnamon balls there, as well. At some point in time they added in the area where you could get items from a very limited menu. "Gam sandwiches" were the best, and try as I might, have never been able to duplicate! Come high school days a lot of time was spent there visiting with friends over, perhaps, a cherry or vanilla coke, or in my case, a sarsaparilla. Seems to me, that if one ran really fast from CHS at lunch time, you would have time to have a gam sandwich and a drink, and run back to school, and not be late! I surely cannot picture Columbus without thinking of "The Greeks." And it would be mighty sad to think that the day might come when it would no longer exist, except in our memories! A closer high school place to have lunch was Olympia Dairy, but still you had to run! Two of you, at least, one to run and get a table, the other to get a place in the long lines to place an order. Somewhere on this site is a photo of the crowd that went here each day. While thinking about places like this, have been trying to come up with more info about a little hamburger place over off of Gladstone that served the best hamburgers. It might have been called "The Pine Knot." Know it was run by a husband and wife team and they were contracted to provide meals (hamburgers) for prisoners in the city jail. On a Sunday, after a long day out on the horses, it was our family treat to go there for a hamburger and fries. Anyone recall "Red Cream Soda?" A taste unto itself. The best, the very best, was to pour it over ice cream to make like a "float." Just an FYI, a product called "Big Red" is available on occasion, at least around here, and it is "the taste!" Love it, and I have turned another whole generation into lovers of that treat from my youth. And while on "food thoughts," all of you "locals" need to thank your lucky stars that you can get a GOOD pork tenderloin sandwich any time! How I wish!!!! Another thing that I really miss! Enough for today. Am hoping that more people will start sharing their thoughts and memories. Have a grand day! Nanc Stevens
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Post by David Sechrest on Mar 22, 2005 2:46:48 GMT -5
I worked at Zaharako's back in the late 60's. I think it was around 1966-67. For those of you who might be interested, I did write a small piece about Zaharako's. It's on the old Historic Columbus Indiana website.
When I worked there, Pete, Louie, and Manual ran the place. Lew, who now is there most days, worked part time, as well as Ted and Ann.
I started out as a busboy and dishwasher and made 65 cents an hour. I had to pay for any food I ate, and I remember a couple of weeks that I owed them money!
George, one of the other brothers, left and went to California (I think), and wasn't around when I worked there back in the 60's.
My favorite "boss" was Manuel. He was a gruff old cuss, but had a heart of gold. But we cut up with him alot, too...
Zaharako's was a hoppin' place in the 60's. I don't think it was as busy as it was during the 1950's when the high school was where Central is, but still, it did a pretty good business.
At the time I worked there, they made their own ice cream, and I remember having to go downstairs and bring up those big five-gallon containers of ice-cream. I can't recall them making their own chocolates in the 60's. I think they stopped doing that by the time I went to work for them, and bought the candy wholesale from some dealer (maybe Whitmans?). But they still sold loose candy by weight.
Lew told me one time that one of the original brothers invented the GOM sandwich, and named it such. I can't recall right offhand which brother it was. The GOM was used in their "Cheese-Brrrgrrrs," and was one of the most popular sandwiches they sold.
Back then, all the coke drinks were served in plastic glasses. Syrup was measured out (by eye), and carbonated water and ice added. They still do it the same way today.
My most fond memory of working at Zaharako's was decorating the place for Christmas. It was done Thanksgiving evening, and we worked until the wee hours of the morning getting the place ready. I'm glad to see that many of the old decorations they used back then are still used today. That only adds to the flavor of the place around Christmas time for those of us who remember the Zaharako's of our youth.
One of the family members donated quite a few scrapbooks to the Historical Society. They are located upstairs in their library for those who might be interested.
I stop in now and then and talk to Lew these days. The place is no where as busy as it was from those long ago days of my youth. I take my kids there every year for Christmas, and have since they were in diapers. It's something they look forward to every year.
After a few months as busboy and dishwasher, I was promoted to soda jerk, and that was fun, but busy! Especially at Christmas time. There were days the line of people went out the door, and I definitely earned my 65 cents an hour pay working behind the counter.
To be honest, Lew is a fan of this website, and we talk about it quite often when I visit. I want to do another historical piece regarding Zaharako's, but I want it to be an accurate account. There are some misleading things said about the place on other websites.
I've never asked Lew about the future of Zaharako's, mainly because I don't want to know. I just want to enjoy it while I can, and have the opportunity to relive a long ago time of my life with each visit into the place...
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nanc
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Posts: 73
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Post by nanc on Apr 20, 2005 9:42:32 GMT -5
Hi to all, and having just returned from my uncle's (John F. Hughes, CHS, 1924) 100th birthday party in Texas, I have a little story to relate. My uncle has a mind like a steel trap, and has actually written (typed, no less) and filled several notebooks with his memories. One could wish that our own parents were as ambitious in their efforts to record memories. As we were talking this past week he made mention that when he was in high school, living in Burnsville, he drove a horse and buggy into town to attend school in Columbus. During bad weather months he lived with a family in town and stabled his horse at the livery stable. He also worked at "The Greeks" and made mention of a Gus Zaharako and another brother who had only one leg. As near as I can figure this is the generation before the brothers that most of us recall. It seems that the brother with one leg spent a good deal of time perched on a stool near the front of the store at the fountain. My dad started working at O'Bryan's jewelry store at the age of 14 as the mailboy. According to my uncle, my dad would come into "The Greeks" and "match" coins with the one-legged brother to see if he would receive a free drink. Can see that happening, as my dad was always game to match somebody for a cup of coffee. It has been one wild week for me, recalling family memories with cousins, some of whom I have not seen in years. My brain is full, and the bod is exhausted!!!! Nanc
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Post by David Sechrest on Apr 20, 2005 9:54:53 GMT -5
Hey Nanc!
Glad to see you back, and also glad you had a nice visit.
I'll have to ask Lew Zaharako who the brother with one leg was.
In one of the yearbooks (1924?), there's a picture of a very young Pete Zaharako sitting on one of the stools in "The Greeks." I'm assuming the other kids are brothers George, Manual and Louie, but not certain about this.
I'll find out some info from Lew and post later. I'm still in the process of moving, and at this point in time, I am ready to sell everything I have!
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Post by Rhonda Bolner on Jun 14, 2005 8:28:44 GMT -5
Our antique club held a meeting at Zaharako's earlier this year. Lew presented the program for our group that evening by telling us much history of the family and the business.
I was very sad to see the article in the paper on Sunday, June 12, that did not even MENTION Zaharako's as a local ice cream/soda shop when the one lady was quoted as saying she couldn't get an old-fashioned soda anywhere in town.
I, too, hope that Zaharako's has a future. Wish there was a way we could help!
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jun 15, 2005 8:10:17 GMT -5
Hi, and of course, none of you are mind readers! ;D
And Babs, as you know, I can surely relate to a family business, and what does one do when there is perhaps no interest in continuing with it, etc.
In my thinking, about "preserving The Greeks," I would so hate to have the actual fixtures, etc. leave Columbus. That would be sad. If having an operating soda fountain is not possible, what would be the chances of setting it up as a "model" as some historic landmark? Perhaps in another location, but locally.
Have read in several places here about, and I hate to use the word, "decline" of the downtown area. But I have to offer hope in that regard. Here in Orange Co. CA, downtown areas are on the upswing, the result of redevelopement funding. One, Fullerton, has preserved their downtown buildings, and the area is "hopping!" When I came to Fullerton from Columbus, what a culture shock----Fullerton rolled up their curbing by 5:00 PM! Now, when I drive into Fullerton in the evening, I am totally amazed, and frankly shocked-----it is alive with activity. And yes, parking is hard to find, even with a parking structure on a side street. So there is hope, it is just finding the way to preserve some of these things. (And a little plug about Fullerton---watch in 2006 for the release of the movie, "Peaceful Warrior," as the motorcycle accident scene was filmed on the main downtown street.)
I guess, all of that is to say, with some support and encouragement, an historic place, be it The Greeks or something else, could be saved. And I have to think positively in that direction.
Nanc ;-)
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JamesK
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Post by JamesK on Jun 15, 2005 22:23:37 GMT -5
I THINK NANC HAS THE RIGHT IDEA. THERE IS NO PLACE IN COLUMBUS OR INDIANA THAT IS MORE DESERVING OF BEING A WORKING HISTORICAL SITE. WE MUST KEPT THE "GREEKS" WHAT IT IS AND WHERE IT IS. I DO KNOW THAT THE COMMUNITY LEADERS HAD BETTER TAKE NOTICE ABOUT THE ENTIRE DECLINE OF THE DOWN TOWN AREA, INCLUDING THE "GREEKS". IN THE LATE 40's AND EARLY 50's, I RECALL GOING TO THE "GREEKS" AND HAVING TO WAIT FOR A SEAT. IT WAS A MEETING PLACE FOR THE KIDS AFTER SCHOOL AND ON THE WEEKENDS.
IN THE 40's I CAN REMEMBER MY PARENTS WOULD PARK OUR CAR ON WASHINGTON STREET TO WATCH THE CROWDS OF PEOPLE WALKING AND SHOPPING DOWN TOWN. EVERYONE YOU SAW, YOU KNEW. IT WAS A SLOWER AND MORE ENJOYABLE TIME. LIKE NANC SAID, FULLERTON CA HAS CHANGED, WHY CAN'T COLUMBUS, IN? IT IS EVERYONE'S RESPOSIBILITY TO SAVE OUR COMMUNITY. WHAT IS OUR COMMUNITY LEADERS DOING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM?
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Post by David Sechrest on Jun 16, 2005 0:55:42 GMT -5
Hey Rhonda! Nice to hear from you. It's been too long. For those of you who may not know, Rhonda has created a wonderful website concerning the Orinoco Furniture and Lincoln Chair Companies. You can access Rhonda's website at: www.geocities.com/lincolnorinoco/index.htmlDon't be a stranger...
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jun 16, 2005 10:12:40 GMT -5
>>>>>For those of you who may not know, Rhonda has created a wonderful website concerning the Orinoco Furniture and Lincoln Chair Companies.<<<<< What a super site!!! Thanks for the heads up, David, and thanks to Rhonda for her efforts. Gives one food for thought, as well. Haven't looked yet, but my mom has an antique bedroom suite that we brought with us to CA. Am thinking it bears some research at this point. Perhaps a trademark. I don't know, will check. Thanks for the info. Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jun 17, 2005 8:08:40 GMT -5
Another morning, and I can't decide where I first want to post a reply! Danny, I so appreciated your "reflections," and I do believe that we tend to get caught up in the fast pace of "here and now." At least for me, coming to these message boards, allows me the moments to take time to "smell the roses" in my life. You mentioned visiting with elders in various living situations. You really, really hit a soft spot with me on that score. Having moved my mom into an assisted living place, and as her caregiver, I spend a great deal of time with the elderly. My own mom's memory is not as sharp as it once was, but one of my greatest joys when I visit with her, is the time I include to visit with the others. Danny, and others, too, talk to the activity director at some of these places, and I bet that you could arrange to come in, just to chat with these elders. And trust me, you come away richly blessed. These elders have so much to offer, and so often it is overlooked in the bigger scope of things. Am a tad "off subject" here on the Zaharako thread, but preserving "The Greeks," or any historical place or memory should be "of importance." For you "locals," count your lucky stars for these message boards. They are such a wealth of collected memories. I sometimes have trouble believing that I am now considered "a local" for Fullerton, CA, and many of my friends have moved from this area----we have no "organized place" to post our memories, nor such a wealth of information at our fingertips as via David's homepage. We rely on emails back and forth, and me going to research a question at the Fullerton Room at our local library. I feel so fortunate to be a part of these Columbus memories. My thanks to all of you. Danny has the right idea, going into The Greeks and chatting over a soda or whatever. AND from what my 100 year old uncle recently related to me, that hasn't changed! And my recollection says, that the Zaharako brothers have always run a friendly establishment, you were always welcome there----come in, sit down and chat with whoever is there. Even when I am sure we were "rowdy teenagers," we were always welcome. Wish I was close enough to say: "Hey, Babs, JK, EC, Charlie, David, Danny, Margo, et al, meet me for a soda at The Greeks this afternoon and bring along a friend. I have some questions I want us to ponder." And believe it or not, don't think it would take long for word to spread and we'd have reestablished some of the traditions of the past. We are the generation that can make a difference. Think about it! Nanc
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Post by Rhonda Bolner on Jun 23, 2005 13:21:48 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Since David mentioned it, I want to just say that the reason I have the web site for the Orinoco Furniture Company and Lincoln Chair Company is.......because my great-grandfather was the president until his death in 1935, and then at that point, my grandfather took the reins until the company folded in August of 1940. I would LOVE to be in contact with anyone who has some of the furniture or knows someone with some of the furniture. Maybe David should make a message topic for Orinoco Furniture/Lincoln Chair Companies! Thanks![/glow]
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jun 26, 2005 8:50:26 GMT -5
I take absolutely no credit for the photos that I am posting on Zaharako's/The Greeks, as I found them in a newspaper clipping that my mom had saved from September 1971. They are from a terrific article written by Jean Prather in The Republic. Am hoping that by posting them I am not infringing on any copyright laws. With the current interest and comments about the Greeks thought they were enlightening. Enjoy. Loved this photo of very early times. Will add some more in another post. Enjoy. Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jun 26, 2005 9:01:59 GMT -5
Some more photos from Jean Prather's article about the Greeks in the Republic, September 1971. For those that might be 'visitors' to the message boards and have never been to the Greeks, this is just a beautiful "physical" part that you would see, as the decor really defies description. David, and perhaps others, have mentioned the elaborate Christmas decorations put up each year. Enjoy. Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jun 26, 2005 9:09:34 GMT -5
From Jean Prather's article, Republic, September 1971 And that little table we all loved to sit at!!!! The pipe organ! Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jun 26, 2005 9:48:55 GMT -5
And one last photo from Jean Prather's article, Republic, September 1971. Many of us that "haunt" these message boards have mentioned gathering at the The Greeks with friends and family. And this photo----well, that was happening even before "our happy times spent there." 1938 CHS basketball team celebrating. Enjoy. Nanc
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Post by David Sechrest on Jul 18, 2005 11:37:56 GMT -5
The following was also posted in the Columbus Indiana Hash folder:
On July 14th, Gregg wrote: "Why is it that everyone in Columbus is familiar with the term "gom sandwich", yet, travel 30 miles in any direction and nobody knows what you're talking about? Is the term a "Zaharako-ism?"
Lew told me that one of the brothers invented the word "gom" and the gom sandwich. I'm going to have to check with him, as I can't remember which brother.
I ran across a brochure a few weeks back for some vacation spot in the Smoky Mountains, and it contained a "dictionary" for out dated words and phrases. I was surprised to find the word "gaum" in the list.
According to the brochure, "gaum" means messy. I wonder if one of the Zaharako brothers was also familiar with the word, took out the "au" and replaced those letters with "o."
I remember mom and dad using the word back when I was a kid. Mom made gom sandwiches, which today we would call "Sloppy Joes." Instead of toasting the sandwich using bread, we'd throw the messy stuff between two buns.
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Margo CHS Class of 55
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Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind; it doesn't matter.
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on Aug 6, 2005 16:32:10 GMT -5
While my sister, Lea, was in town for my granddaughter's wedding, and my sister, Sehila's Memorial Service we stopped in at the Greeeks to have some ice cream. Luck would have it, they started palying the organ as we stepped into the front door !! Sad to say, they were out of sasparilla, and could not make a green river for us, either. S, we settled for a Hot Fudge Sundae, and settled down to enjoy the organ for a while. The place is slowly deterioriating, and the ceilings look extremely sad.
But, oh, the memories we have from that place !! My sister, Lea, used to walk from the old HS on 7th street, and sit at the Greeks to do her homework. I worked at Union Starch just down the street, and would pick her up when I got off work. Our Sunday School Class from First Baptist Church used to meet there all the time. I surely wish it does not go the way of the auction block! I am hoping some one will be interested enough in it, to do a major restoration ! It surely needs it! Blessings, Margo
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Margo CHS Class of 55
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Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind; it doesn't matter.
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Post by Margo CHS Class of 55 on Aug 6, 2005 16:49:33 GMT -5
I forgot to mention, there were 4 sisters in our McCalip family, and we all grew up sitting on those 4 ice cream chairs at the front of the dining area. Then my sister, Lea, and her husband Neil, when they came up from Florida on summer vacations, they had 2 daughters, with my 4 daughters played to gether while the parents visited. We ALWAYS made a stop at the Greeeks so Karen and Kris could sit in the chairs and listen to the Organ,also. My daughters used to draw straws to see who would get to sit in the other two chairs. All four of them grew up sitting in those chairs and eating ice cream,also. My grandchildren have done the same, and I am working on the fourth generation. My one great granddaughter, Mackenzie. is now 5. I and need to take her there someday when she is in town. We used to love to go in there at Christmas time, when I was a child, and marvel at all the decorations. Sadly, they are starting to show the many years they have been displayed. Some people I overheard , last December, said that they should not put up the old ones, and I just told them....close your eyes, and just imagine what it must have been like 50 yrs ago.
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Post by Ricky_Berkey on Aug 7, 2005 6:21:18 GMT -5
Margo.
It is so sad to go into Zaharakos sometimes but you just have to appreciate it for what it is and was and hope for the best in the future. We have so many visitors who have read about it in the various guidebooks. I just tell them to go in and appreciate how little has changed since the early 1900's. Try a Chezburgger or a GOM sandwich and whatever else they haven't run out of and enjoy. Let your minds eye fill the candy cases and patch up the rough edges and take yourself back in time for a moment or two.
Margo, you mentioned working at American Starch. Where was it located and how big was the facility? What were they making when you were there?
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