Language of Material: English

Contributing Institution: Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento Room

Title: Constantine "Gus" Kanelos Collection

Identifier/Call Number: MC 62

Physical Description: 1.5 Linear Feet 3 Archival Boxes; 1 Artifact and 1 Oversize Folder

Date (inclusive): 1928-2018

Abstract: Constantine "Gus" Kanelos was a longtime historian and promoter of the Florin area (CDP) of Sacramento County. His decades-long commitment to recording and sharing Florin's history is expressed through his own historic narratives, poetry, images, ephemera, scrapbooks and school reunion paraphernalia.

Constantine "Gus" Kanelos was born in Sacramento, California on November 6, 1928, to a family that owned a ranch and the Kenlos Bros. Wholesale butcher shop, both located in the Florin area of Sacramento County. With Greek father and Italian mother, Kanelos entered Florin West Elemenbtary School speaking both languages but with little knowledge of English. In time, Kanelos went on to attend Elk Grove Union High School, Sacramento Junior College, and Grant Technical College and then enjoyed a long career as a teamster and union shop steward arbitrator within the trucking industry. Kenlos' civic life included a run as president of the Florin Elementary School PTA and American Portugese Club, plus his founding of both the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 2577 and Florin Historical Society. His affinity for veterans manifested itself through Kanelos' role as a veterans advocate, legislative lobbyist and founder of the Unaffiliated Veterans Advocate Coalition.

With coverage from 1928 to 2018, the collection is composed primarily of items relating to Kanelos' involvement in preserving and promoting the history of Florin. Letters of commendation and thanks (many from Florin area students), poetry, photographs, various artifacts, and ephemera make up the bulk of the collection. Of special note are photographs that cover several classes at Florin Elementary School, Florin Middle School and Elk Grove High School. One will also find extensive content - including a trucker's hat and shirt - on the 1985 Florin "Once-in-a-Lifetime" School Reunion which included students from 1924-1953. The reunion is also covered through several missives between Kanelos and participants. Series V. Published items, Ephemera and Newspaper Clippings - also includes substantial information on the 1924-1953 reunion. Florin Elementary School yearbooks for 1959 and 1964/65 while a part of the Constantine (Gus) Kanelos Papers, but have been removed for cataloging and placement within the Sacramento Collection.

[Identification of item], Constantine "Gus" Kanelos papers, MC 62, Sacramento Room, Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento, California.