Finding the First Greeks of Santa Fe
A vintage‑luxe self-guided walking tour for discerning travelers—shopping, après‑ski, and hidden history.
Uncover a Hidden History of the Santa Fe Plaza
Between 1914 and 1955, at least forty-eight Greek immigrant-owned businesses—from bustling cafes and bakeries to pool halls and candy shops—thrived in the heart of downtown Santa Fe.
Finding the First Greeks of Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1914–1955
is more than just a history book; it is a guided walking tour that brings these long-lost storefronts back to life. As you walk through the historic Plaza area, this book points out the exact locations where Greek families built their legacies and contributed to the unique cultural mosaic of New Mexico’s capital.
Whether you are a local history enthusiast, a Greek-American exploring your roots, or a visitor looking for a deeper connection to the city, this book offers a unique lens through which to see Santa Fe.
Vintage Santa Fe meets Modern Luxury
Finding the First Greeks of Santa Fe is a sophisticated, image‑rich guide designed for discerning travelers. From adobe courtyards and Canyon Road boutiques to crackling lodge fireplaces after a bluebird day, we curate shopping, après‑ski, and story‑filled routes that trace the earliest Greek footprints in the City Different.
Then & Now: Historic Storefronts
Before the diamonds, the Seligman family sold everything from Stetson hats to silk—the start of our Plaza stroll.
Santa Fe’s original happy hour! Long before fine art, the Capital Pharmacy’s soda fountain was the city's social heart.
Look closely: this luxury boutique began as a 1916 trading post, eventually becoming a Spanish Colonial architectural masterpiece.
The Greek Connection: This was the Recreation Club—a legendary 1920s pool hall run by the Carellas and Koklas families.
Hidden History Walks
Explore the traces of early Greek merchants and craftsmen woven into Santa Fe’s adobe lanes and churches. Self-guided tour routes pair archival stories with opportunities to stop for espresso, mezze‑inspired bites, and museum courtyards drenched in desert light.
Concierge for Discerning Travelers
Our book is your own personal tour guide.
60‑Minute Shopping Stroll
1. Sip
Start with a cortado beneath vigas—local espresso and a sweet bite.
2. Shop
Turquoise, textiles, and gallery finds—curated stops along the Plaza.
3. Stroll
Finish with a slow walk through adobe lanes and hidden courtyards.
About the Author
Katherine M. Pomonis
is a Santa Fe native of Greek descent and a lifelong historian. After receiving her B.A. in History and Anthropology from the University of Rhode Island, she served in several prestigious leadership roles, including President of the New Mexico Association of Museums. Her extensive curatorial work at the Maxwell Museum and the Albuquerque Museum has focused on the socioeconomic and cultural impacts of the Greek community in the Southwest. She is also the author of Uncovering the History of the Albuquerque Greek Community, 1880–1952.
Yorgos D. Marinakis
, Katherine’s son and co-author, brings a multifaceted academic background to this project with degrees in mathematics, biology, management, and law. He notably held the first joint appointment between Los Alamos National Laboratory and the University of New Mexico.
