![Alexander Mouzas](https://biddefordculturalandheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Mouzas-Alex-Profile-Picture.jpg)
A native of the Biddeford-Saco area, Alex was strongly influenced by his family’s Greek roots. Although the initial draw to interviewing Alex was to get his perspective on the iconic family business, the Puritan, his in-depth knowledge of the Greek and Greek American experience is most enlightening. Having spent considerable time in the regions of Greece from where his grandparents immigrated, he is passionate about capturing highlights of life in both cultures. He has dedicated considerable time researching, preserving, and sharing stories of the impact his ancestors have had both in Greece as well as the United States and the Biddeford area in particular.
“There are a lot of stories in Biddeford. There is a lot of undocumented history so I’m glad you are doing this.”
ALEXANDER MOUZAS
INTERVIEW DETAILS
Date of Interview: January 17, 2020
Location: Maine State Library, Augusta Maine
Interviewer: Nicole Morin-Scribner
Transcriber: Nicole Morin-Scribner
SELECTED INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
- Immigration journey from Greece for both sides of his family and how they connected in Biddeford
- From grandmothers and local business owners to individuals with monuments erected in their honor, contributions of Greeks in the US and their country of origin.
- Memories of traveling to/from Greece and being immersed in that culture.
- Living in 2 worlds: Honoring Greek traditions while valuing assimilation and the importance of patriotism
- Discrimination of local minorities
- Typical activities growing up in the Biddeford-Saco area during the 1950’s to 1970’s including working at the family businesses.
- A “tour” of Biddeford’s earlier downtown district including highlights of prior businesses such as Fishman’s, Woolworths and gambling at the Greek Coffee House
- An iconic family business, the Puritan, and the role it played in our community
- Insights regarding Biddeford’s Albanian community
- Biddeford’s St. Demetrios Greek Cemetery
DEMOGRAPHICS
Birthplace: Biddeford, Maine
Education: Thorton Academy University of Maine Orono
Ethnic Identification: Greek American