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Main Library
680 Poplar St
Terre Haute, IN 47807
812.232.1113
Text: 812.612.8275
Mon-Thu: 8 A.M. – 8 P.M.
Fri: 8 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Sat: 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Sun: 1 P.M. – 5 P.M.
West Branch
125 North Church St
West Terre Haute, IN 47885
812.235.2121
Mon: 12 P.M. – 8 P.M.
Tue: 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Wed: 12 P.M. – 8 P.M.
Thu/Fri: 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.
Sat/Sun: Closed
12 Points Branch

2200 North 13th St
Terre Haute, IN 47804

Opening 2024!

Pete Chalos accepts honor from Coca Cola Company

June 27, 1927 - Pete Chalos (June 27, 1927 – June 4, 2006)

Book gives insight to former mayor’s life.

By Dr. Dipa Sarkar

P. Pete Chalos served as mayor of Terre Haute for 16 years, the second longest serving mayor in the city’s history. Recently Chalos wrote about his childhood years “Growing up in Terre haute, One Day at a Time 1930-1945.”

Chalos was born in Terre Haute on June 27, 1925 at 1113 Poplar St. His father, John, came to the United States from Greece at the age 14. His destination was Seattle, Wash, and his train ticket was pinned to his shirt. He got off the train in Terre haute, lost his ticket, couldn’t speak English, and the police took him to a Greek merchant who ran a Country Kitchen at Seventh Street and Wabash Avenue. He operated a hat cleaning and shining parlor at that location from 1910 to 1965.

Pete Chalos was one of five children born to John and Katherine Chalos. Growing up, he worked in his father’s store, sold newspapers and worked at Quaker Maid. At Wiley High School, he was a city mile champion in 1944 and a cross country champion in 1945. A Navy veteran and graduate of Indiana State University, Chalos taught and coached basketball and tennis in the Vigo County School Corp. Marriage to Panagiota Angelos “Ulla” brought three children, Jimmy, Johnny, and Kathy.

Chalos was a teacher at heart, but was always very interested in politics. After serving as a city councilman, he decided to run for the office of mayor, was elected and served from 1980 to 1996. During that time, much was accomplished in the city. He was interested in bringing large commercial industries to the city, increasing educational opportunities, creating more and better jobs, improving police and fire protection, repairing streets and beautifying city parks,

In 1995, Chalos lost the primary election to Sheriff James R. Jenkins and concluded his 16 years as Terre Haute’s mayor. During those years, in addition to his service to the city, he interacted with many leaders on the national level, such as presidents, Jimmy Carter, George Bush, and Bill Clinton. He enjoyed a private conversation with Mikhail Gorbachev and his wife, Raisa. During a political rally for presidential races, he met with John Chancellor and Sam Donaldson. Many other personalities in the world of politics and entertainment became acquaintances.

Pictured is a paid political newspaper advertisement used after the mayoral election in 1983.

“Growing up In Terre Haute” is a trip down memory lane for anyone who grew up in our community or one of similar size during the 1930’s, 40’s or 50’s. The book is being sold in the Vigo County Historical Museum gift shop. Treat yourself to a copy.

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