NICK HRISOMALOS (1891-1953)

Nick Hrisomalos lived the authentic immigrant’s success story. At age 14, armed with only a third-grade Greek education, Nick boarded a ship and set out on his own to the United States, where he soon found employment at the steel mills in Illinois. At age 22, Nick returned home to serve in the Greek army during the first Balkan war.

After he was discharged in 1914, Nick immediately moved back to the U.S., this time settling in Bloomington, Indiana, alongside other young, Greek entrepreneurs who were finding success. Nick opened a tiny shop on North Walnut selling peanuts, popcorn, and novelties and, for a little extra money, providing shoe shines and cleaning hats. He later opened Nick and Tom’s soda fountain, selling candy, magazines, and tobacco.

Although he was not a naturalized citizen, Nick was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1918, earning $21 per month and sending $18 per month home to his mother. He was scheduled to leave for the frontlines in Europe, but contracted the virulent and often-deadly Spanish flu.

He continued with his various businesses in Bloomington, until he opened Nick’s in 1927. He rented out half of the small property to a haberdashery where his good friend, Herman B Wells, reportedly worked.

In April of 1929, Nick’s wife, Katina, gave birth to their only child, Frank, who — along with his own son, Tom, and daughters, Karen and Elaine — would become a successful member of the Bloomington medical community.