KRIKOR
AND ZARMAN DOLBASHIAN
Krikor Dolbashian and Zarman Tuntigian were born in Havav, Palou. Krikor
and his brother Ohan/Onnig managed to live through the horrors of the Genocide
as did Zarman, with her brother Garabed.
On July 4th, 1920, as America celebrated her freedom from British
tyranny, Krikor and his bride Zarman celebrated their freedom with their
arrival to this land of opportunity.
Their lives here ...
Krikor and Zarman made their home at 149 Douglas Avenue. Here they
raised three children, Elizabeth Egsiz Kaprielian, Paul Boghos and Arakel.
To support this family, Krikor and Zarman operated a grocery story, familiar
to the Armenian community as "Koko's".
"Koko's" was located next to their home, at 151 Douglas Avenue. This
small grocery store became a focal point for the Armenian community because
Krikor and Zarman extended a helping hand in innumerable ways to the immigrants.
Many of the newly arrived Armenians lacked a place to stay or food to eat.
Krikor and Zarman generously provided food and shelter, helping many, many
people through dire circumstances.
From their family ...
"We are often told, `If it wasn't for your father and mother, we
would not have made it'. Our parents were generous, industrious people
who were forever grateful for the opportunities that were present in this
country, and they were willing to share with others. We will continue their
efforts."
MANOOG AND ARAXY
ELMASIAN
Manoog Elmasian married Araxy Karabeglian, and in 1921, they and their
infant son, Krikor, arrived at the port of Providence. Araxy was the only
member of her family to survive the Genocide of 1915.
Their history here ...
The Elmasian family grew with the subsequent births of Nazenie, Nishan
and Mannia. Manoog became a baker, baking Armenian bread in an establishment
he owned and operated on Douglas Avenue. He served the Armenian community
in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts with delicious baked breads.
For many years, Manoog served as a deacon at St. Vartanantz Church.
Araxy was a member of the Armenian Red Cross and served as Secretary as
well as Treasurer at various times.
Manoog and Araxy are now deceased; however, their legacy lives on
with their four children, 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and
1 great, great grandchild.
From their children ...
"To be of service to the Armenian community was a way of life, and
our parents were always ready to serve."
MARGOS AND LUCIA
DASDAGULIAN
Margos and Lucia Dasdagulian arrived in America in 1910.
Their history here...
Margos and Lucia had seven children: Markret (Margaret), Shooshan
(Lillian - who died in 1960), Maream (Maria), Hagop (Jacob - who died in
1983), Araxie (Roxy), Manoog (Michael -who died in 1991), and Artemis (Alice).
Most of their children were born in the Eagle Park section of Providence
while the others were raised in the Douglas Avenue area where the family
later made their home.
During the time the Dasdagulians lived in Eagle Park, Margos had
an ice, coal, and wood yard at the corner of Admiral and Hawkins Streets.
When the family moved to the Douglas Avenue neighborhood, Margos's
coal yard was located at the corner of Douglas Avenue and Suffolk Street.
With three horses and teams, he was affectionately known as "John the Ice
Man". Nishan Kimatian peddled ice on the East Side and Joe Affleck worked
the Smith Hill area.
Margos bought hay and oats from Billingcroft's which was located at the
lower end of Chalkstone
Avenue. Conveniently, Mr. Feldman, the blacksmith who would shoe the horses,
was located nearby. When home heating oil became a common commodity, the
demand for coal and wood diminished. Also, blocks of ice which had sold
for 25 cents or 50 cents a piece, bowed to the era of refrigerators.
Margos was an active member of the Gomedeh, and Lucia was a lifetime
member of what was then recognized as the "Garmerkarch" or Armenian Red
Cross. She sponsored the annual "birthday cake" for the Armenian Relief
Society.
SIMON AND YAKOUT
KIBARIAN
Simon and Yakout Kibarian were survivors of the Genocide who managed
to find their way to America in March 1921.
Their lives here ...
Simon and Yakout lived at 184 Douglas Avenue where they successfully
raised five children, Aznive (Ann Nahigian), Nishan, Hovhannes, Sarkis
and Barkev. The children kept Yakout busy as a homemaker while Simon supported
the family by working as a mill hand at Washburn Wire Company in East Providence.
There are thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
From their family ...
"Our parents always reminded us of their difficult times as children,
and led us in supporting the less fortunate."
VAHRAM AND BEATRICE AZNAVOURIAN
Vahram Aznavourian and Beatrice Shishmanian were born in Bardizag,
Turkey. Both managed to survive the terrors of the Genocide of 1915.
Their history here ...
Vahram arrived in the United States in 1926. In 1928 he travelled
to Marseilles, France with the intention of marrying Beatrice, who had
made her way to that country. After marriage, Vahram and Beatrice came
to Providence to begin their married life. The marriage was blessed with
two sons, Garo and William.
Vahram was employed in the costume jewelry manufacturing business.
The family lived in the West End - close to the Cranston Street Armory
District of Providence from 1925 to 1959, when they moved to the Reservoir
Triangle District of Providence.
Vahram died in March, 1962, and Beatrice, in February 1991. Their
son Garo died in June, 1992. William remains active in the Armenian community.
Vahram and Beatrice Aznavourian maintained a strong family tradition, supporting
the Armenian Church and Armenian philantropic organizations.
NASHAN AND
NIVART ASADOORIAN
Nashan Asadoorian was born in Sakrat, Palou; Nivart Tepikian was
born in Marzavan. She was a survivor of the Genocide.
Their history here ...
Nashan arrived in America in 1911 and settled in Providence on Chalkstone
Avenue, just across from what is now Armenian Heritage Park. He was employed
at Nicholson File Company and served proudly in the United States Army,
World War I from 1917 - 1918.
In 1921 he returned to Turkey and married Nivart that same year.
On July 4th, 1921, Independence Day, Nashan and Nivart found their own
independence when they arrived in New York.
Their family home was at 149 Douglas Avenue where two sons were born,
Sarkis in 1923, and Suran in 1925. With Suran's birth, in August of 1925
the family moved to a three story home that Nashan helped to build, at
403 Douglas Avenue.
Sarkis served his country in the United States Navy during World
War II. After the war Sarkis located himself in Westchester County, New
York, and became a builder. He is the father of three sons and one daughter.
Suran, his brother, also served in the United States Navy. He became
a jeweler in New York but later returned to his home state and helped to
establish and operate Wayland Chemical Company. Suran has shared his father's
avid interest in gardening. He is the father of three daughters.
HAGOP
AND AGAVNE ALAHVERDIAN
AVEDIS AND LUCINE
VARTOUHI ALEXANIAN
OVSANNA
Gaspar Krikorian became a naturalized citizen of the United States
in 1895. He realized the American Dream by securing steady employment,
high income and eventually, home ownership at 1628 Chalkstone Avenue.
He maintained close ties to his relatives who were not as fortunate
as he to have left the "old country" before conditions became unbearable.
In 1924 Gaspar signed an affidavit, sponsoring an entire family of his
relatives. This included Vartouhi Alexanian, Gaspar's widowed sister- in-law;
her unmarried daughter Ovsanna; her married daughter Agavne Alahverdian;
Agavne's husband Hagop; and their two children, Avedis (Edward) and Lucine
(Lucille).
The Alahverdian family left Alexandria, Egypt and arrived in Providence
in the autumn of 1924. They established a residence on Whipple Street where
a third child, Harry, was born in 1926.
Their history here ...
Hagop quickly became a United States citizen, and he began a success
career as the owner of a popular barber shop. Not only Armenians but all
nationalities frequented his shop and referred to him as "Jake the Barber".
His shop was located at the corner of Douglas Avenue and Orms Street.
When the United States entered World War II in 1941, both sons entered
the armed forces. Avedis joined the Army and was stationed in Hawaii. Harry
joined the Navy and was stationed on the battleship New Jersey.
He participated in the Okinowa invasion.
Harry and Avedis fought to defend those freedoms which had meant
so much to their families, - freedom of religion, speech, the freedoms
of life itself.
MISACK AND MARY
SOHIGIAN
Misack and Mary Sohigian were both from the village of Harpoot.
They had six children; Robert, Kurragin, Vera, Sarah, Jacob and Rebecca.
From their children ...
"We respectfully revere the memory of our parents."
BOGOS AND AZNEV
BOGOSIAN
Bogos Bogosian came to America in the early years of 1900 and joined many
other young Armenian men in working to build the railroad in the midwest.
He returned to Armenia to farm his land, and found himself caught in the
strife that is known as the Genocide.
He left his home in Palou and went to a village outside of Yerevan
where he met and married Aznev Nakasian. Bogos and Aznev survived the Genocide;
however, with the massacre of Armenians at the hands of the Turks, Bogos
and Aznev decided it best to start a new beginning in America. They arrived
here in 1921.
Their history here ...
Bogos worked as a laborer, and Aznev was a homemaker and mother to
their five children; Ann, Marie, Charles, Cora and Theresa. They owned
their own home on Douglas Avenue, and enjoyed a modest and peaceful life
thereafter.
From their grandson ...
Stephen W. Burrows, maternal grandson to Bogos and Aznev, fondly
remembers his grandparents for their courage, wisdom and support of their
family, friends and neighbors.
MOUSGK
AND HAIGANOUSH MAZGERDIAN
Mousgk Mazgerdian was born in the province of Palou and Haiganoush Dobakian
was born in Trabzon. Except for Mousgk and Haiganoush, the entire families
of Mazgerdians and Dobakians were victims of the Genocide. Somehow, Mousgk
and Haiganoouh found refuge in Marseilles, France, and married. In 1926
their journey continued to America.
Their history here ...
Mousgk and Haiganoosh found a home on Chalkstone Avenue and started
a family. Four children were born, two sons, two daughters. Rose Sherestanian
was the oldest, next was Emily Gilbert, third was Levon and last, was Harry.
Both Harry and Levon presently reside in Florida.
Mousgk was employed by the City of Providence, and Haiganoush stayed home
to care for their children. She had been raised in the Armenian National
Girls Orphanage where she excelled in history and language. Haiganoush
was an active member of both the Hunchagyan Party and the Armenian church.
Today, Haiganoush is widowed but lives independently in Cranston,
relatively close to her family. This includes her daughters Rose and Emily
and her husband, George Gilbert and their two children, Eric R. Gilbert
and Janice R. Gilbert. Levon and his wife Kay, retain close ties with their
family.
From their children ...
"Our parents assisted one another's relatives whenever they could.
They were proud of their family and their achievements. Their strong belief
in their heritage was conveyed to us, and on to our children."
MUGERDICH PALIAN
SAHAG AND VICTORIA PALIAN
Mugerdich Palian was the father of Sahag. Desperate to find safety for
his family, Mugerdich came to America alone in 1910, with the intention
of bringing his family to this land of opportunity.
The horrors of the Genocide ripped apart his families dreams, destroying
everyone except for Sahag,
whom Mugerdich was able to sponsor and bring to America in 1920.
Victoria, Sahag's wife, was also a survivor of the Genocide. She
did not come to America until 1926.
Their lives here ...
Father and son both found employment at Washburn Wire Company. Sahag
and Victoria married and had five children; Armen, Garabed, Dickran, Michael,
and Surphie. While the children kept her busy, Victoria found time and
energy to devote to the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Vartanantz Church.
From their family ...
"Our parents and grandfather worked hard all their lives so that
we could reap the benefits of freedom and opportunities presented by this
country."
TOROS AND MARIAM
BEDROSIAN
Toros
and Mariam Bedrosian were survivors of the Genocide of 1915. They were
both born in the village of Tepeh, Palou. With much difficulty
they managed to escape from the devastation of their village. They were
proud of this farming area, it was their homeland.
After arriving here, they settled in Smith Hill and eventually purchased
their home on Wayne Street. They were blessed with three children; a son
Peter, (deceased), who also had three children, a son Richard who lives
in Pawtucket with his wife Elaine and son Brian, two daughters, Patricia
Riccardi of California and Jo-Ann (deceased); daughter Rose Gulvart Goins
Diaz (deceased) who had four sons, Clinton Goins who with his wife Julia
live in North Kingstown, and have three children, C. Raymond, Paul and
Jennifer, and two grandchildren Victoria Goins and Paul Beauchamp III;
Richard T. Goins who with his wife Mildred live in Providence and have
two children, Richard and Lori, and a grandson Tevin; two other
sons, Steven J, Diaz and Michael Diaz both deceased; Their other daughter
Roxy Grasso (deceased) raised her family in Long Island, NY and had two
daughters, Sandra Vitale and Donna Hymkoski, and two grandsons, Richard
and Ryan Vitale.
Toros was well known in the neighborhood for his honesty and industrious
nature. He was employed at the Brown and Sharpe Foundry. Toros was happy
to support his wife and family and tried to give his children everything
he could.
Toros had a brother Bagdasar. His godfather was Mugerdich Nalbandian.
Mariam had a sister, Vartanoush and a brother Kevork Demersian, both
deceased.
Mariam found comfort, despite the immense sorrow, in relaying to
her children and grandchildren stories of the old country, and the fighting
and killing that she had witnessed. While her stories sounded like adventures,
unfortunately, they were all real life experiences.
NISHAN AND
YAGSAPET PAKRADOUNIAN
Nishan Pakradounian was born in Karpet and was part of the initial wave
of immigrants who came to this country in 1912. These immigrants shared
the dream of providing passage for the family and friends they left behind.
Yagsapet Shamlian came from Sepastia and endured the terrors of the
Genocide. The Turks killed all of her relatives - except for her brother
Aram, who survived. Yagsapet did not find her way to this country until
1922.
Their lives here ...
Nishan and Yagsapet married. They had six children; John, Jacob,
Anna (Bazor), Queenie, Martin (Dounian) and Albert. Yagsabeth gave birth
to their three oldest children, John, Jacob, and Anna at their third floor
residence on Chapin Avenue near Huntington Avenue in Providence.
Nishan worked for many years at the Silverman's Jewelry Factory on Public
Street in Providence. Yagsapet stayed home to care for their large family.
Their grandchildren include Marie Manzo, Joan Rubinstein, Linda Malcatte,
John Bazor, Judy Walsh, David W. Bazor, Maryann Collins and John M. Dounian.
HYRABED
AND AZADOUHIE DER MANOUELIAN
Azadouhie Der Manouelian was a survivor of the Genocide of 1915.
She and Hyrabed arrived in America in 1929.
Their history here ...
Hyrabed and Azadouhie Der Manouelian made their first home in Pawtucket
on Japonica Street. Their family was completed with the births of three
sons, Oscar (Asadoor), Michael (Manoog), and Aram.
Azadouhie stayed at home to care for home and sons while Hyrabed
supported his family by employment as a textile weaver.
From their family ...
"Our father was very inventive and encouraged our own creativity."
BABIG AND
VARTOOHE MARABIAN
Babig Marabian came from a religious background; his father served
as a priest in the old country.
Their history here ...
Babig and Vartoohe Marabian were married in Marseilles, France in
1925 and came to America in that year. Their first home was at 185 Lockwood
Street in Providence. It was here that they had three children; Sarah (Seeronoosh),
Hazel (Hazlee), and Everett Avedis. Babig supported his family by working
in a jewelry factory while Vartoohe cared for their children.
As time passed, their children married. Sarah Marabian Amroian lived
in Detroit while Hazel remained in Warwick after her marriage to Robert
(Bob) Portukalian. Hazel and Bob are the parents of Gregory and Kenneth,
and are proud grandparents.
Everett married Rose Pizzo, and has the distinction of becoming the first
Armenian certified public accountant in the history of Rhode Island, in
1965. He and Rose are the proud parents of Everett, Jr., Linda and Barbara.
From their family ...
"The influence of the grandfather we never knew, nonetheless, was
a great one. Our father Babig carried on the traditions and teachings of
his father, and imparted them to us and our children. We have maintained
their legacy by being regular supporters of the Armenian Church and affiliated
groups."