Epimenides/Ariadne and KPHTH/SF Convention History
1946 Convention
The first convention that was held in San Francisco and was chaired by Mr. Nick Delis and and it was held. At the Chicago convention in 1942, Epimenides Secretary and convention delegate Mr. Antonios Tsougarakis made a motion to have San Francisco host the 1944 convention and the delegates unanimously agreed. As 1944 approached, the war in Europe had not subsided, and a decision was made to postpone the convention until August 12, 1945 and, in the meantime, focus our membership on raising funds for the Greek War Relief effort and to support the war orphans of Crete.
In June, 1945, then Epimenides president Nick Delis, notified PAA president Goerge Constantoulakis and the members of the following: The convention was once again delayed but ultimately rescheduled and held on July 14 through July 22, 1946 at the Fairmont Hotel. The Epimenides chapter was represented by delegates Stanley Mamalakis, Nick Delis, and John Harhalis and the Ariadne chapter's delegates were Melpa Frango, Stella Mamalakis, and alternate Mary Hatzidakis.
This 9 day convention focused on ways the PAA and its members could help the war relief effort, the orphans, and bring Crete back to normalcy. Throughout Greece, over 1,800 villages had been destroyed, 1 out of every 3 persons suffered from tuberculosis or malaria, and 375,000 children were orphaned. During this 9 day convention, all discussions centered on philanthropic programs.
Cover of the 1946 PAA Convention Album—San Francisco, CA—Ninth Annual Convention
1974 Convention
Chaired by the late Steve Monolakis, the 1974 Convention was held at the Hilton Hotel in downtown San Francisco. Hundreds of Cretans from around the world attended this convention that featured incredible events that celebrated San Francisco and our Cretan culture. A dynamic group of men and women from the Epimenides and Ariadne Chapters chaired multiple events and the Cretan Youth of San Francisco was created that year as well. The convention was one of the most successful conventions at the time and was long remembered as one of the most well round conventions in our history.
Cover of the 1974 PAA Convention—San Francisco, CA—?? Biennial Convention
2017 Convention
Chaired by John Monolakis and Co-Chaired by Diane Kounalakis, the 2017 Convention was held at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco for five days, June 30th to July 5th. Hundreds of people came to our beautiful City by the Bay, enjoying night after night of activities in SF and the Cretan picnic was held in Calistoga and hosted by the Cretans of Marin and Sonoma Counties. As a special treat during the Grand Banquet on July 4th, music icon and legend Tony Orlando performed and entertained the audience as a tribute to America’s birthday! As a club, we give thanks to the legacy of our amazing parents and grandparents that we continue the work that they started so long ago.
Cover of the 2017 Pancretan Convention—San Francisco, CA—Forty-Five Biennial Convention. Cover Photography: Tony Maridakis
1983 PYA National Convention
In 1983, the Pancretan Youth of Association of America hosted its National Convention in San Francisco chaired by Diane Kounalakis. The event brought together hundreds of youth members from around the United States and the event was held at the Hilton Hotel in downtown San Francisco. At the same time, a National PAA Board meeting was also hosted at this convention. The PYA Youth at that convention donated funds for Cooley’s Anemia research and medical equipment. San Francisco Cretan Youth member Diane Kounalakis was re-elected National President of the Pancretan Youth Association of America, and John Monolakis was elected PYA 1st Vice-President and Maria Koston, Secretary.
Cover of the 1983 Pancretan Youth Convention—San Francisco, CA—7th Biennial Convention. Cover Art: Maria Koston