05/10/09

‘KREMASTI” - Our History

Location:- Mount Parnona …..Prefecture - Laconia  Greece

Elevation:- 860m  above  see  level.

1462:- MYSTRAS had fallen to invading Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire as also other parts of the Peloponnese or (Morea) as it was known then.

Mystras was populous and prosperous and a stronghold to Greek Orthodoxy which rivaled Constantinople in importance and bitterly opposed to by the Turks. The occupation of Mystras was of significant importance to the Ottomans.

 1500:- The residents of the area MYSTRAS found the need to flee and seek a safe and sure haven to migrate and protect their families. A deep valley was chosen surrounded by dense forest on high altitude and rugged terrain. The town was built hanging on the slopes of both sides of this valley hence the origin of the name …KREMASTI.

With a plentiful supply of water, good grazing land, Kremasti proved to be very ideal to establish a new home providing protection from Turkish Rule and attracted many Greeks from Mystras and surrounding areas.

1661:- KREMASTI boasted a population of 3,500 and was documented as the 5^th largest major town in Laconia and served as a major supplier of livestock, primary produce, wine, and wheat to surrounding areas even as far as the islands of Spetses – Ydra.

1722:- The residents of Kremasti decided to harness the plentiful supply of spring water and the “Vrysi” or Tap was built as a major supply of water ,even other towns down the valley depended on the constant overflow of the towns water supply.

287 years later the Byzantine designed “Vrysi” still stands as the town’s major water supply and was regarded then as a monumental marvel and still is by many visitors to-day.

1821:- The war of independence started by “Theodoros Kolokotronis” (Archistrategos) or Commander in Chief against the Ottoman Empire

1825:- Due to the remoteness and strategic geographical location that Kremasti offered, the great Greek leader “Theodoros Kolokotronis” used the town as a base (Archigeo) from which he set up Moreot Klepht bands, from here he would train and organize them into Greek troops to march to other areas of the Peloponnese. (Morea)

1830-1865:- Now that Greece was finally free and independent from the Turks, many residents of Kremasti moved to lower surrounding areas and coastal locations of Laconia and started building new towns.

1870:- The war of independence had taken its toll on the town and due to the migration of many residents to lower areas and an unstable Greek government brought black clouds of poverty, misery and hardship upon residents of Kremasti.Many young men were forced to seek employment oversees and so migration started to Romania, America, Argentina .Women and children were left behind to tend to the fields.

1900:- Nothing much had changed during the past 30 years .Young men who found themselves heavily in debt sought better incomes oversees, the migration doors were still open for many Kremastiotes.Most found themselves selling roasted chestnuts & peanuts in the streets of Brooklyn ( USA). All of them could never forget their beloved town and vowed to return.

1905:- Spernovasilis Maniatis the first teacher, musters all the children he can to teach them grammar and literature. The school operated at the house of I.Papamihalopoulos (Ayiou) till 1911.

Literacy was a major concern, however not many children attended on a full time basis, working the fields was more paramount as most men were missing abroad.

1912:- 50 or so Kremastiotes were engaged at the war of the Balkans.

Many returned from America to fight for their country, inducted to military service at Yiannena and engaged in that famous battle of Bizani.

1915:- Many Kremastiotes by now have returned to their beloved town bringing with them new found wealth and riches. The famous church tower at Panagia was built with their donation and is admired even today for its architecture. Later on Mr. P.Tzakas (Levetas) donates the town clock which every Kremastioti is familiar with its hourly chimes.

1917:- An epidemic of smallpox swept Kremasti and many residents perished and suffered, Dr Ginis from Geraki  and Dr Moiras from Niata,were constantly commuting on their mules backwards and forward to give aid to the sick.Many children were orphaned as a result

of this epidemic which spread to the greater surrounding areas.This was also a period when mothers found out the loss of their sons as a result of war.

1920 :- Many young males have returned from the war and America full of ambition,dreams and willpower to rebuild the township and restore confidence

Economically life in Kremasti started to flourish. New fields were open

at Mari,Sternitsa,Lambokambi,Toumbali,Panolambi.Where ever the was water new crops were sown. Building materials ,timber roof tiles and stone was high in demand to cope with rebuilding of many dwellings.

Mr Evgenios Fotiadis from Minor Asia takes up the position as teacher.His role was very enthousiastic and instrumental for the town and the school was operated at Kazarma.

1925:- Father Kostas Papaeleftheriou was the town priest and Kremasti saw the return from America that famous melodic voice of

Anargiros Papaioanou which graced the church choir.

Also during this period Nikolas Mavromihalis ( Barba Kolias) offers his services as the towns  orthorpedic practioner. He is known to have performed miracles to many Kremastiotes, a well respected man.

1926:- With the monetary donations from the Americans and the voluntary work from the residents ,the foundations were laid in the building of the new school.

During this decade the shops of Douri, Manousou, Maniki, Tzaka

all flourished as well as Sadleries,Cobblers,Blacksmiths and all taverns were full everyday.

1928:- The new brotherhood (Silogo) “Melissa” is formed and founded in Kremasti with president Dimitrios P Tzakas . Many dances,public events,theatres were held.

Admision was 5 drahmas for males, women and children free.

1940:- In the morning of 28^th October urgent church bells rang to muster everybody to the church.The distressful news was announced to all that Greece is now at war with Italy/Germany.

At noon that day all males who were eligible to serve in the army met on the grounds of St Konstantine’s church.

With great well wishes and tears from all,emmediately they set on the road to the Albanian border to defend our frontiers.

Four Men failed to return and perished and never saw Kremasti again.

1941:- With fallen frontiers, soldiers returned to Kremasti.This period saw the German forces occupying all areas and thus forced all young men over the ages of 12 to hide in the mountains to avoid conflict and execution from the Germans.

 Many houses in the town were occupied and all livestock and fresh produce was confiscated in order to sustain the German troops. Residents were forced to hide food, produce and basic necessities underground of the house (katoi) so as to survive this onslaught.

1944:- October 12^th .Lefteris Papamihalopoulos and “Vorias”

climbed the church tower and rang the bells in joy all day long with passion and enthusiasm to announce to all “The war is over”

Every body in Kremasti was dancing with joy.

1946:-The Greek Civil War (Emfilios Polemos). A highly polarized struggle between leftists and rightists lead Greece to ruins and left greater economic distress on Kremasti than the German Occupation. The mountains of Parnona favored guerrilla operations, Partisans would hide there and often would descent to Kremasti confiscating food and live stock which resulted in acute food shortages even famine. Many Kremastiotes left the town to seek work in Athens and to avoid the conflicts that were destined to happen. This political unrest brought on pain, tears and catastrophe to many residents.

1948:-  Febuary,The Greek army (Moira LOK) arrived in Kremasti to fight the resistance from rebel guierilas.The officers set up base at father Kosta’s house while the soldiers were housed at the school. That same evening the military set up a radio station in the shop of Taso Maniki.That was the first time that Kremastiotes ever seen or heard a radio for the first time.

1949:- August, The end of the civil war, however it divided the Greek people for ensuing decades.A major crisis for Kremasti and its stable future.Temporary police stations were set up at the houses of (Petromaniki and Salibourtha) these remained in tact until 1950.

1950:- The results of the civil war had dealt a hard blow to the town and many Kremastiotes.Many traumatized by the events were concerned about the future. Poverty,unemployment,food shortages prevailed.Children would attend school with bare clothing and no shoes.Teenagers and young adults were forced to leave in search for better conditions. . The town was left with no priest.Father John Doukas made periodic services from  Lambokambi (1946-1950)

However all residents banded together and by the end of this decade the town is full of people, the school is full to maximum levels of students and all shops and taverns are working to capacity.

1951:- Dimitrios Papamihalopoulos was elcted Minister of Defence by the elected government.An outstanding achievement for a resident of the town.

1953:-9 May) The main road was officially opened by Laconias Prefect Paleologos, young and old were shocked to come so close to the modern world and actually witness the first car owned by Lambrinakos followed meters behind by trucks,enthousiastic children would jump on the back to be taken on a small ride.

1955:- The following years to come reveal that the dream of building a greater Kremasti is only a dream, the shadow of immigration falls upon the town once more.A recognized education fascility is non existent.In order to provide a better life and further education for their children,Kremastiotes had no option but to move permanently.

The postman Panagiotis Drivas (Zouboukos) was one of the first take the outward step to Australia and was instrumental in other families following.Others Migrated to USA, Canada and Athens.

Father Kostas (PapaKosta) retires after 40 years of dedicated service and is replaced by Father Lefteris Kanavaros.

Elias Kakoulias is teacher of the school and is feared by many children for his regimental order and attitude.Severe punishment was his first rule of education.

1960:- The festival of Panagia is moved from the school grounds to the platea.Kostas Thomopoulos replaces the much hated Kakoulias

as the new teacher and restores some order to students.

Many more are still moving out from the town,the elderly are bidding last farewells only to remain behind.

1963:- Dimitrios Belesis was elected president which proved to be the most pleasant and successful period in Kremasti.

The new wing of the school was officially opened and was donated by

The American Konstinos Tsingou.The road to St Dimitri is widened by the local council.

( Rigakos, Panoumitros,Zaharakis) were appointed as new teachers to cope with the 220 or so students, their friendly disposition and presence was a warm welcome by residents and students alike.

1968:- The parish church of Panagia has come to ruin and collapses after 156 years since the first stone was laid.

Nikolaos Papamihalopoulos(Nick Papas) donates funds as too residents and other brotherhoods from USA (Melisa) to rebuild the church.

The Nick Papas Fund (USA) is formed to give financial aid to Young matrons as a dowry and students wishing to further their education at Athens University.

1969:Brotherhood Kremastis Mystras (Australia) is formed

1971:- The New Church Panagia is officially opened .

            August 3^rd the installation of electric lighting heralds a significant new period for Kremasti.

1975 :- The opportunities for residents to seek a better life oversees has finally taken its toll on Kremasti.The only remaining are the elderly and even they are contemplating whether to stay .Kremasti is finally baron of people especially during the winter months.

Panagiotis Drivas (zouboukos)& Panagiotis Pardalis return permanently to Kremasti.

John Haramis from Australia migrated to Kremasti and  was ordaned as priest in the town church.

1979:- A world wide plea attracted four million drahmas to lay asphalt on the road to St Dimitri.This event brought all brotherhoods and Kremastiotes from all the world closer.Many more joint projects would follow.

1982:- Further road projects were completed especially to Mari,Peleta.

Also this was the start of new homes being built in Kremasti from those living abroad.

1983:- A modern telephone system is to be installed in the town. 12 lucky residents would be awarded the phone first by ballot.