Wood and cast lead printing block. The print image is a circular seal. There is a circle outline along outside of the seal. Along the inside curve of the outline is a ring of text. Following the lower curve of the circle is English text reading: "Hellenic Cultural Circle." Along the upper curve of the circle is Greek text that translates to: "Hellenic Circle." The Greek and English text is separated from one another by two small squares. Following the right-hand curve, inside the Greek and English text is "Chicago," and on the opposite side, also following the curve inside the Greek and English text is "Illinois." At the center of the seal is an image of a flaming torch. The handle of the torch is flanked on each side by the date 1915.

Donated by John Damianos. The printing block was used in a linotype printing machine. Linotype presses allowed for the casting of entire lines to be printed at a time. Linotype printing was eventually succeeded by lithograph printing and computer typesetting during the 1960's and 1970's. This printing block was used by the Chicago-based, Greek Art Printing Company. This print image was used for the printing of letterhead and programs for the Hellenic Cultural Circle of Chicago. The Hellenic Cultural Circle of Chicago was founded in 1951. The objectives of the Circle being: discussion and inquiry of the various fields of knowledge; strengthening cultural bonds between Americans and Greeks; providing scholarships for deserving students, who through their work contribute to the furthering of the objectives of the Hellenic Cultural Circle; creating a "Who is Who" of Greek educators, scholars, scientists, writers, and artists; and carrying out other cultural and social activities. The Circle held annual ceremonies to award chosen professionals who contributed to Greek culture. The image of the torch symbolizes both enlightenment and hope. The upright image of the torch symbolizes life, truth, and the regenerative power of the flame.

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