California Armenians Part 2

Summary

The transcript recounts the experiences of the Armenian community in Fresno, California, highlighting their struggles and resilience from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. It follows the story of Jonathan Sananian, an Armenian boy witnessing the Fourth of July parade while reflecting on his heritage and the challenges faced by his family and community. As Armenians migrated to escape persecution, they built a rich cultural landscape, establishing churches, schools, and businesses, while grappling with the complexities of assimilation. The narrative emphasizes their strong family ties, cultural pride, and contributions to the agricultural success of Fresno.

Takeaways

• 🎆 Jonathan Sananian, the first Armenian born in California, witnessed the growth of the Armenian community in Fresno from a young age.
• 👑 Susie Marcarian was recognized as the queen of the Fourth of July parade, highlighting local cultural events.
• 🏗️ The early Armenian settlers established a distinct community in Fresno, with varying levels of wealth and social status.
• 🍞 Many Armenians faced economic hardships, working for low wages in poor conditions to support their families.
• 📚 The Armenian Library Union was formed in 1890, emphasizing the community's commitment to education and cultural preservation.
• 👩‍🏫 Jonathan's mother, Lydia Aristakesian, arrived in the U.S. as a picture bride and faced significant life changes after moving.
• ⛪ The establishment of various Armenian churches reflected the community's struggle for religious and cultural identity amidst assimilation pressures.
• 🌳 The Armenian community in Fresno thrived, forming numerous cultural organizations and newspapers by the early 20th century.
• 🌾 By 1910, over a third of Armenians in Fresno County were engaged in agriculture, marking a significant economic transition.
• 💬 The Armenian children in Fresno faced discrimination, often being called 'Turks' by classmates, which led to tensions and conflicts.

Q & A

Who is Jonathan Sananian and what is significant about his background?

Jonathan Sananian is described as the first Armenian born in California, representing the Armenian community's early settlement in the region.

What were the living conditions like for the early Armenian settlers in California?

Many of the newcomers worked for low wages and under poor conditions, often in agriculture or the railroad, receiving minimal compensation to support their families.

How did the arrival of more Armenians affect the local community?

The influx of Armenians led to the development of a colony, bringing strong family ties, food, customs, and cultural rivalries, while also emphasizing the importance of learning and pride in their heritage.

What role did the Armenian Library Union play in the community?

Founded in 1890, the Armenian Library Union aimed to enhance the citizenship and education of Armenians in their new home, predating the Fresno Public Library.

How did the experiences of Armenian women change during this period?

The early 20th century was a time of progress for Armenian women, who began to be emancipated from traditional roles, contributing to the establishment of new families and a stable community foundation.

What challenges did Jonathan Sananian's mother face upon arriving in the United States?

As a picture bride, she had to leave behind her dreams and adapt to a new life filled with hard work, including labor in packing houses, which contrasted with her upbringing.

What cultural and religious transformations did the Armenians experience in Fresno?

Armenians established their own churches, like the Armenian Presbyterian Church, in response to discrimination, leading to a unique Armenian religious and cultural identity in America.

What impact did Turkish persecution have on Armenian migration to California?

Many Armenians fled their homeland due to Turkish persecution and tyranny, leading to a significant increase in the Armenian population in Fresno, which grew by 400% in the early 1900s.

How did the Armenian community contribute to the agricultural development in Fresno?

Armenians engaged heavily in farming, with figures like Malcolm Marcarian becoming prominent in agriculture, leading to the establishment of large fig orchards and contributing to Fresno's growth as an agricultural hub.

What role did education play for Armenian children in Fresno?

Education was pivotal, with most Armenian children attending local schools, where they faced challenges such as cultural discrimination, as indicated by their being called 'Turks' by classmates.