George Mastoras
Interviewer(s):
Angelo Laskaris
Project:
Childhood Narratives of Greek Canadians from the 1940s
INTERVIEW LOCATION:
Toronto, ON
LANGUAGE:
Greek
DATE:
February 10, 2023

Interview Summary:

George Mastoras shared his personal story and memories from his childhood in the village of Athamanio in Epirus. He described life in the village before the war, with its festivals, fairs and agricultural activities. However, his life was marked by tragic events during the Second World War, when the Germans killed his father and 12 other villagers. After the war, he studied, served in the Air Force and worked in various professions until he got married and immigrated to Canada. Despite the difficulties he faced, he managed to overcome the obstacles and create a better life for himself.

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Interview Details
Categories and Themes
Content
Media
Date and Location
February 10, 2023
Toronto, ON
Interviewee(s)
George Mastoras
Interviewer(s)
Angelo Laskaris
Languages
Greek
Reference ID
40SREF029
Project
Childhood Narratives of Greek Canadians from the 1940s
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Categories
Working Life
Historical Events
Migration
Rites
Tags
Greek Civil War
Marriage
Post-WW2 Migration
Restaurant Work
WW2
Decades Referenced
1940s
1950s
1980s
Locations Referenced
Athamanio, Arta, Athens, Toronto
Occupation(s)
Dishwasher, Restaurant Owner
Parents Occupation(s)
Names Referenced

[00:00:23] His early life and his family

[00:13:10] Army service, working, migrating to Canada

[00:21:25] Work experience in Canada

[00:35:34] His family’s fate during the German retreat

[00:41:24] His house in Athamanio; the village and its people

[00:48:28] His memories from the Civil War

[00:54:57] His life in Athens, the army and meeting his wife

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