Christopher, Gus

Gus Christopher, born in Eperos, Greece, on May 22, 1882, was the acknowledged leader of the Greek Colony at Fresno and an enterprising businessman. After working for six years in iron, copper, and silver mining across Greece and France, he emigrated to the United States in 1902 to seek his fortune. He initially established himself in Washington by entering the hotel and cafe industry in Spokane and running a bakery business in Bellingham. Moving to San Francisco in 1905, he successfully managed a cafe until 1910, when he relocated to Fresno and purchased the Pleasanton Cafe. He remodeled and improved the establishment into the finest modern cafe in the city, operating it with keen foresight until January, 1915.

In 1914, Christopher purchased the Bijou Photo Theatre at 1137 J Street, turning it into the best short-show theatre in the state by installing modern machines, a new screen, and a new ventilating system. He also demonstrated excellent business judgment by investing in local real estate, including lots at Van Ness and Stanislaus Streets, the Parker Lyons residence, and a forty-acre ranch in the Perrin Colony planted to figs. His community leadership was highlighted when he founded the Hellenic Progressive Society and served as its president alongside George Voenes, N. D. Nitsos, and S. M. Lagudis to promote cooperation between Americans and Greeks. A respected Mason who attained the Mystic Shrine degree, his high community standing was further cemented when he was chosen as an ex-officio committee member representing the Greek nation during the Fresno Britain Day celebration on December 7-8, 1918.