Flora Haniotou, Director of the Boarding Department (1948-1979)

Flora Haniotou, Director of the Boarding Department (1948-1979)

Interview by Flora Haniotou

Interview given by Flora Haniotou to Mr. Salimbene, Vice President and Director of Pierce College in 1983. Discussion with Dr. Carlton and Miss Margaret Blemker about the future of the College in Boston, in 1958.

ACG, Mr. Salimbene, Vice President and Director of Pierce College

ACG Archives and Special Collections

ACG Archives and Special Collections

ACG Archives and Special Collections

Audio

Greek

Interview

ACG_AV 1983 audio interview

Helleniko, Aghia Paraskevi, 1961, 1958

Audio in tape

2:37

When the college was about to leave Helleniko, there was an idea at the American Board to sell the premises of the college and build a hospital in Turkey. When I was in the USA, in San Diego, Dr. Carlton knew I was there, he was a good friend of mine, and he told me to make a stop over to Boston on my way to Greece and visit him. So, in 1958, when I was going back to Greece, I joined them for dinner, Miss Blemker, General Secretary in the American Board, was also there, and they asked me if Greece needed the college; if there was any scope for the college to continue its presence in Greece. Dr. Carlton said, that when he was in Turkey he realized there were very few Turkish schools, but in Greece there were too many. I replied: "Dr. Carlton when you went to Turkey your aim was to create schools, to convince Turkish people convert to Christianity, but show me how many Turks have become Christians? Now, for Greece, instead of wondering whether you should close Pierce College, the American gymnasium or not, I would suggest you build similar schools all over Greece, because they are needed for many reasons. Because, such schools provide academic excellence, and create, good, educated, and well organized people in Greek society, and in any case, through their pupils they spread the American spirit.