The Marion Candy Kitchen located at 207 W. Main Street appears to have had a sum existence of about 20 years and was totally a Greek run business from start to go. The originator, Arthur Gravennies, immigrated to the United States from his homeland of Greece in 1905 and by about 1915 had the business going in Marion, Illinois. He was joined shortly thereafter by Achillas Karathanos, who immigrated from Greece in 1908. Achillas served as a clerk for the business.

Shortly after Achillas established himself here in Marion, it wasn’t long before the arrival of his brother Ikie Karathanos. Such was the way it often was for immigrants. An older brother would come to the U.S., find a job and establish himself, then send for the rest of the family when employment was established. Ikie had an immediate job working for the Candy Kitchen.

In the 1920 census, we find Arthur Gravennies and two of his brothers, who are both older but still unnaturalized aliens, living in rooms to let at 210 N. Market St. The rooms are let out by Hattie Campbell, a 61 year old Canadian rooming house operator. Arthur’s brothers list their occupations as a shoe clerk and manager of a shoe shine parlor. Living in rooms nearby are John Azernis, a 24 year old single, Greek immigrant who is currently serving as manager of the Candy Kitchen and Ikie Karathanos, clerk at the candy store.

By 1930,  Arthur Gravennies had moved out of the picture and proprietorship is claimed by Achillas Karathanos and John Azernis. John and his wife Electra live nearby at 206 ½ S. Van Buren St.  Achillas lives with them and rents space.

At some point in the mid to late 1930’s,  Ikie and Achillas Karathanos acquire possession of the Gem Café at 103 N. Market Street and from that point on the Marion Candy Kitchen no longer shows up in any listings and is presumed defunct. The 1939 directory indicates the location for the Marion Candy Kitchen to be vacant.

(Data from Marion Directories, Federal Census Records, advertising; compiled by Sam Lattuca 03/07/2013)