KAZAR AND NEVART ARAMIAN 
 
Kazar Aramian was born on November 15, 1908 in Esabeg, Palou, the only son of Baghdasar and Martha.

Baghdasar had gone to Adana, Cilicia in search of work. On Easter Monday in 1909, as the village children in Adana were preparing to receive the rites of Holy Communion, the Turkish solders spread gasoline around the church, setting the building ablaze. Baghdasar and the entire congregation burned to death. Thus, the child Kazar never saw his father, a fact which haunted him throughout his adult life.

Meanwhile, the Kurds invaded Palou, burglarized homes and began a deportation march of all the Armenian families. Kazar's grandfather was brutally beaten, and his Uncle Babig was seriously wounded. Only his mother Martha was left to protect Kazar. When the villagers arrived in the rural desolate region of Pertarg, the solders abandoned the ailing Armenians, leaving them to die in the wilderness.

Despite the horror of being surrounded by the bodies of Armenians who had died from beatings, hangings, and hunger, Kazar managed to survive. With no food or water for sustenance, Kazar hid in a cemetery. He often recalled in later years, with intense emotion, the despair and fright he felt as he huddled alone, eating only grass and berries. Kazar found refuge in an orphanage in Kharpet where food was rationed to one half slice of bread per day. Even so, Kazar was eternally grateful.

Desperate to come to America, Kazar assumed illegal surnames in order to obtain a passport. He was issued five passports and succeeded in boarding a ship destined for America. However, he was discovered to have had a false identity and was not allowed onboard. Finally, he was granted what was known as a Nansen passport, which meant "a man without a country". On September 13, 1926, Kazar arrived at Ellis Island, a frightened 17 year old boy, possessing the worldly sum of 48 cents and a pen knife in his pocket. Nevertheless, from that day forward, Kazar was eloquent in expressing his gratitude to a country which gave him freedom and the opportunity to pursue the American Dream. The phrase "God Bless America" was never far from his lips.

For four anxious days Kazar was detained at Ellis Island while he awaited the arrival of his father's distant cousin, Hoogas Aramian, brother of Soushan Noorigian. Hoogas brought Kazar to Walling Street in Providence.

On August 17, 1930 Kazar married Nevart Poloian. The Depression made their life extremely difficult. Kazar lost his $5.00 a week job at a jewelry factory during these times, but he and Nevart remained undaunted. Kazar began delivering candy in a baby carriage to the nearby Mom and Pop grocery stores to support his growing family. From such humble beginnings, Kazar and Nevart established Standard Tobacco & Candy Company at 137 Douglas Avenue, in the historical landmark Fire Station at the corner of Douglas and Chalkstone Avenues. With Nevart at his side, Kazar operated the business for 53 years.
 
Kazar never lost his anger for the horrors of his youth, his passion against the injustices he had witnessed and endured. He wanted the civilized world to know that Armenians had suffered through unspeakable atrocities, lost their homeland, and had families torn asunder. More than anything else, he wanted the message imparted that Armenians had not lost their courage, their heritage, their will to survive.

Kazar Aramian came full circle in his life. In June, 1993 he revisited Ellis Island, touching with trembling fingers his own name etched upon the monument identifying all those people who sought refuge on these shores. The following day he suffered a massive heart attack, and died on June 21, 1993. Among his final words was the phrase, "God Bless America."

Kazar left his wife Nevart of 63 years, his daughters Sue of New York City, Martha of Providence, Margo of Pennsylvania and her husband Thomas C. Ragan, and their two children, Jocelyn and Paul. His wife Nevart is committed to fulfilling Kazar's desire for helping Armenia and its children. His fervent desire was that Armenian children should be spared the deprivation of his own childhood. In conjunction with the YMCA International, Kazar’s family is establishing a child care center in Vanadzor, Armenia for children who have suffered through earthquakes and war. With honor, the building will bear the names of these survivors, and will be called Kazar and Nevart Aramian Child Care Center.






 
 MINAS AND HAMASIA DEPOIAN POLOIAN 
Minas Poloian was the son of Baghdasar and Margaret Poloian. He was born in 1890 in Abrank Palou into a large family, - three brothers, Manoog, Bedros, and Hamparsoon, and five sisters, Vartouhi, Mariam, Goulistan (Gouliszar), Katchkatoon, and Oldig. His mother Margaret was highly respected in their village for her skills as a midwife and for making medicine from wildflowers. In 1895, when Minas was only five years old, his father Baghdasar was killed by the Turks.

Minas married Hamasia Depoian in 1907. Conditions were very difficult in Abrank, and in 1909 Minas reluctantly decided he would join his brothers Manoog and Bedros who had gone to America to earn money for their families. Manoog had a daughter Mary who later became one of the many lost children, and Bedros had a son, Sarkis.

Minas was not aware when he left Hamasia that she was with child. He lived on Derry Street with other men who were trying to earn money for their families. Minas returned to Abrank in 1910 to try farming once again.

His brothers Manoog and Bedros had also returned to Abrank. Their brother Hamparsoon now had a daughter, and their other sister, Katchkatoon, had married, and had a son, Marderos Papazian. His sister, Oldig Kaprielian, had a daughter, Pambough Vanoian, wife of Bedros, who had four sons, Krikor, Manoog, Paul, and Mesrob.

However hard Minas toiled, under the adverse political circumstances, he had difficulty in providing for his family. Once more, he left Hamasia and his daughter Nevart, and in 1913, he returned to the United States. Bedros and Manoog remained with their families.

While the world was distracted by World War I, in 1915 the Genocide began and forever changed the lives of the Poloian family. A group of Turkish soldiers rounded up 45 men from the village of Abrank, took them to the Euphrates River and threw the men in to drown. Most of the men were struck first in the back of the head, and then tossed in the water. Included among the victims were Manoog, Bedros, and Hamparsoon, all of Minas' brothers.

Minas, alone in America, was not aware of this atrocity until one of his fellow villagers received a letter which gave information about this tragedy. Minas rushed to his house, and it was there he heard the horrendous news that Bedros, Manoog, Hamparsoon, Vartouhi, Mariam, Goulistan, Katchkatoon, and nearly all their families had been murdered. Only Oldig had been spared. The other survivors were his wife Hamasia, his daughter Nevart, his brother Bedros's wife Baidzar and their son Sarkis.

Minas was so griefstricken that he became ill, and his sister Katchkatoon's son, Marderos Papazian, cared for him. Meanwhile, the remnants of the family had to struggle to survive. They were given protection by Armenag Janigian's mother, Mariam, who worked for a wealthy Turkish family. Mariam hid Hamasia, Nevart, Baidzar and Sarkis in a closet for 7 days until the "agha" for whom Hamasia worked, could assist them to safe travel.

In 1916 Minas cabled the Kurdish family who owned the farm where his family worked, and offered them a reward to protect his family. Hamasia worked as a servant in the house and as a farm worker in the fields until the following year when she and her daughter Nevart returned to Khosmat.

In 1922, again violent political turmoil affected the lives of Hamasia and Nevart. For safety's sake, they went to Haleb as a stop on their way to Marseilles, France. While in France, Nevart learned needlework skills and made beautiful pieces of handiwork which her family treasures today.

In 1926 Minas became a United States citizen, thereby able to process passge for Hamasia and Nevart. The Poloian family was joyously reunited in 1927 when Hamasia and Nevart joined Minas here in Providence. Two months later, Minas was able to sponsor, as his son, Sarkis - the son of Bedros, Minas' slain brother.

Minas and Hamasia made their home on Orms Street, and in 1928 a daughter Zevart was born. Minas was employed at the American Screw Factory until the Great Depression caused massive unemployment. Minas opened Gus's Variety Store at the corner of Bath and Jewett Streets, and operated it until his death. Hamasia maintained a garden which was surrounded by grapevines whose leaves were used for the delicacy of "sarma".

Minas and Hamasia had three grandchildren, Sue, Martha, and Margo from the marriage of Nevart and Kazar Aramian, and three grandchildren from their daughter Zevart (deceased 1996), Sam (deceased 1970), Cheryl who lives in North Providence and Dianne who lives in Florida.

Minas died September 28, 1954, and Hamasia died soon thereafter on August 15, 1955. Both of them are buried at North End Burial Ground in Providence. 





 
GEORGE AND SURPOUHI AZNAVOORIAN 

Surpouhi Kazarian was born in Palou and survived the Genocide. The marriage of Surpouhi Kazarian and George Aznavoorian of Orhou took place in Cuba in 1923.

Their lives here ...

George and Surpouhi Aznavoorian lived for many years on Fillmore Street in Providence. Tragedy stalked Surpouhi in that George died thirteen years after their marriage, leaving her with six children to raise. Subsequently, two children died, leaving Anahid, Altoon, Vartan and Sarah.

Surpouhi demonstrated the courage one would need in facing such vississitudes in life. She moved to a house on Douglas Avenue, and there, was a mother to her four children, grandmother to 16 grandchildren, and great-grandmother to 13 great-grandchildren.

A tribute to a survivor!

 





 
GIRAGOS AND GUZEL BEDROSIAN 

Giragos and Guzel Bedrosian were both survivors of the Genocide who managed to find safety and freedom in America.

Their lives here ...

Giragos was in America prior to Guzel's arrival in 1929, at Fields Point, Allens Avenue. They were married at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church on Jefferson Street on February 8, 1931. Together they had four children, Peter, Rose, Sahag and Theresa.

At first they settled in South Providence where Giragos had a cobbler shop. After Peter was born in 1933, the family moved to the Douglas Avenue area, where Rose, Sahag and Theresa were born. They finally settled on Whipple Street, where all the children enjoyed growing up.

Guzel was an honest, courageous woman who devoted endless hours to the church, always bringing cheer to her friends and neighbors.

Their daughter Rose married John Menissian, and has six children, Michael, George, John Jr., Karen, Gary and Linda. Sadly, John Sr. died on October 5, 1994, but Rose and two daughters still make their home at 20 Whipple Street.

From the family ...

"At one time Whipple Street was the center of activities for so many Armenian families. Presently, we are the last Armenians on the street. We appreciate the sacrifices our parents made, and we hope to continue their efforts. The people may be gone, but the memory remains."
 





 
 SIMON AND MARY SARKISIAN 

Simon Sarkisian was part of the early wave of Armenian men who made their way to the United States in the first part of this century. He worked in Maine, saving money to bring his brothers and sisters to this haven of safety. Then, one day he received word that except for one sister, his entire family had been slaughtered by the Turks.

This news shattered him for life.

He used his savings to buy passage to France where he joined the French Army in their war against the Turks. He said he could not enjoy peace in America while his fellow Armenians were starving and in pain. Simon demonstrated true heroism as he set aside his personal safety for his fellow countrymen.

Soon after his discharge from the French Army, he met and married Mary, a Genocide survivor, in France.

Their lives here ...

Simon and Mary Sarkisian came to Providence in approximately 1921. They had one son, Albert Elliot, who has become a distinguished member of the bar in Rhode Island.
 





 
GEORGE AND TAKOUHI AMERICANIAN 

 George Americanian arrived in America in 1910 from Nakir, Palou. Takouhi Arevian arrived from Istanbul, Turkey in 1921.

Their lives here ...

George Americanian married Takouhi Arevian in Providence, 1923. They had four children; Alice, Bette, Judy, and Sooren.

Both George and Takouhi wanted to share the blessings of this country with their families. George sponsored Sarkis Americanian who arrived from Marseilles, France in 1930. By this time George was the proprietor of the State Laundry which still stands directly across the street from Armenian Heritage Park. Sarkis worked at the laundry, as did another cousin, Moorad Americanian, who had also been sponsored.

George and Takouhi continued to help those who had been left behind. They were able to do so with the help of other relatives. Takouhi's mother, Satenig, had nephews, Ashod, Zareh and Kegham White. These nephews sponsored Takouhi's mother and father, Satenig and Artin Arevian, to this country. Both the Arevian and White families were from Istanbul, Turkey.

The Whites were skilled artisans and craftsmen. Their company, the White Brothers Jewelry Manufacturing Company, enjoyed an excellent reputation, and was located in the heart of the jewelry manufacturing center in downtown Providence.

From their family ...

"We feel close to our family and the neighborhood where we grew up. Even though I live in Pittsburgh, I want to share in this rememberance."

Alice Klanian 






 
KRIKOR AND ESGOOHE MAKSIAN 

Krikor Ananigian Maksian was born in Palou in 1893. He emigrated to the United States in 1909, leaving behind his wife Esgoohe and his entire family. Krikor followed the footsteps of many young Armenian men, who came to the States with the goal of eventually bringing their families here to freedom. World War I interrupted his plans, however. Krikor enlisted in United States Army, thereby gaining a precious citizenship.

During this dreadful time, Krikor agonized for news of his family. When he did receive word, it was tragic. Esgoohe had managed to survive, as did Krikor’s brother Melkon, but the rest of his family were victims of the Genocide.

Esgoohe joined Krikor in 1921, and as the wife of an American citizen, she automatically became a citizen. Melkon, however, did not fit into age restrictions for citizenship, and Krikor was unable to sponsor his brother to this country. Rejected, Melkon made his way to Damascus, Syria where he maintained a close relationship with his brother Krikor and his family.

Their lives here ...

Krikor (John) and Esgoohe settled in New York City. They had several grocery stores in various parts of Manhattan, most notably at 350 West 49th Street, where the family lived for many years during the 1930's and 40's.

The family consisted of four children, all of whom were born in New York: Anna , Robert A. , Aza or Azadouhi , and George or Kevork. Robert married Ann Hovanasian of Methuen, Ma. They have three sons, Robert, Richard, and Kasper and five grandchildren, Stephanie, James, Richard, Michelle, and Jenna Taline. Aza married Dr. David (Vahak) Gadarian and moved to Tampa, Florida. The Gadarians have three children, David of San Francisco, CA and Daniel and Linda, of Tampa, Fl.

The Maksian children followed the industrious footsteps of their parents. Anna worked for many years as a bookkeeper for the Hagopian Brothers, a wholesale butter and egg company. Robert was employed as a grocer-businessman for DeMoulas Supermarkets. Robert also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Aza worked for the telephone company and Eastern Airlines. George, a noted radio and TV reporter/columnist, retired from the New York Daily News, one of the largest newspapers in the country. George and Anna presently reside in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

Kazar and Nevart Aramian of Providence are the proud Godparents for the Maksian children.

 




 
MARDEROS AND ALICE PAPAZIAN 

Marderos Papazian was born on February 22, 1894 in Khosmat, Palou and emigrated to this country in 1913 after most of his family was massacred by the Turks. Marderos made his home in Providence.

Alice Berberian was born in Sakrat, Palou on October 27, 1903 and emigrated to America in 1923 with her mother Hripsema and uncle Krikor Mahakian. Her father, Krikor Berberian, had come to this country eight years before and had settled in Newark. The Berberians were reunited as a family, and soon, a son, Stephen, was born.

Their lives here ...

Marderos and Alice were married in Providence in November, 1926. They built a three tenement house at 691 Chalkstone Avenue, where they remained throughout their married life. Marderos went to work at Brown and Sharpe as a machinist, and was employed there until his untimely death in June, 1950. Alice used her sewing skills to help support the family. Most importantly, her will to survive - honed during the terrible days of the Genocide - carried her forth and gave her children a solid foundation.

Marderos and Alice had two children, Vartan, born in 1928 and Ruth, born in 1936. Vartan was graduated from Brown University and Tufts Medical School. He became an Ear, Nose and Throat physician with a practice in Pawtucket. Vartan married Joan Yaghjian in February, 1959. They had three children, Melanie, Martin, and Jessica. Melanie became a medical secretary; Martin became a physician, joining Vartan's practice and Jessica became an attorney. Martin married Kara Muller and they have a daughter, Emily and a son, Michael Robert; Jessica married Stefan Ross, Esq.

Ruth married Jacob Harpootian in 1960 and operates a successful food business in East Providence. They had two children, John and Alysia. John became an attorney and married Yvette Kirazian from California. John and Yvette have a son, Mark Jacob. Alysia became a fine writer.

Stephen Berberian, Alice's brother, has two daughters, Brenda and Debra and remains very close to the family.

Alice spent many hours in her later years with Marderos' relatives, Nevart and her late husband Kazar Aramian. Somehow talking about their survival and remembering the time spent in the orphanage comforted Alice.

She was very proud of her children and their accomplishments. Alice lived independently of her children until her death on November 13, 1981.