Roots
Deeps Roots in the Broome County:
The Arzouian family arrived in Broome County in 1917. My grandfather
was fleeing the Armenian Genocide. He went to work at
Endicott-Johnson as a shoemaker, like so many other grandfathers in
this town of shoemakers.
The Arzouian family arrived in Broome County in 1917. My grandfather
was fleeing the Armenian Genocide. He went to work at
Endicott-Johnson as a shoemaker, like so many other grandfathers in
this town of shoemakers.
My grandmother Aslanian arrived in Binghamton in 1921 with her
brother Vahran (Vince). Vince Aslanian was a Deacon of Binghamton's
St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church at the time of its founding.
He also operated Ideal Dry Cleaners on Main Street in Binghamton in a
building he owned that is now a paint store.
brother Vahran (Vince). Vince Aslanian was a Deacon of Binghamton's
St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church at the time of its founding.
He also operated Ideal Dry Cleaners on Main Street in Binghamton in a
building he owned that is now a paint store.
My father, Edward Arzouian and my uncle Jacob were born in Broome
County and grew up on Matthews Street in Binghamton. Ed Arzouian
Sr. played football for Binghamton High School. My uncle Jacob was in
the Air Force in WWII and was shot down over France. His name
appears on a monument beside the Broome county Veterans Memorial
Arena. My grandparents lived the rest of their lives here in Broome
County and now rest in Vestal Hills.
County and grew up on Matthews Street in Binghamton. Ed Arzouian
Sr. played football for Binghamton High School. My uncle Jacob was in
the Air Force in WWII and was shot down over France. His name
appears on a monument beside the Broome county Veterans Memorial
Arena. My grandparents lived the rest of their lives here in Broome
County and now rest in Vestal Hills.
Ed was born and raised in Malone, NY until his father passed away almost
40 years ago. The family then moved to his mother’s hometown near
Montreal, QC. His brother is a graduate of SUNY-Binghamton. Ed has
been visiting Broome County for 40 years and has lived here permanently
since 2005.
40 years ago. The family then moved to his mother’s hometown near
Montreal, QC. His brother is a graduate of SUNY-Binghamton. Ed has
been visiting Broome County for 40 years and has lived here permanently
since 2005.
During WWII, Jacob Arzouian & his
uncle Vince (Vahran) Aslanian
outside the family home at 243
Matthews St. Binghamton
uncle Vince (Vahran) Aslanian
outside the family home at 243
Matthews St. Binghamton
Broome County Veterans' Arena Memorial
bearing Jacob Arzouian's name
bearing Jacob Arzouian's name
242 Main Street, Binghamton circa, 1934, family business.
My grandfather in his shoe store with my uncle, circa late 1920s.
Prior to taking up permanent residence here in Broome County in 2005,
I visited regularly for 40 years.
It was always bitter sweet.
It was the home of my grandfather, grandmother, uncle and father but
they had all passed by the time I could remember my first visits. They
were not here to tell me their stories but I have heard them from friends
and also from people I had never met before but who knew them. I
like to think my family would be proud I am back in Broome County and
running for public office to serve the greater good.
I visited regularly for 40 years.
It was always bitter sweet.
It was the home of my grandfather, grandmother, uncle and father but
they had all passed by the time I could remember my first visits. They
were not here to tell me their stories but I have heard them from friends
and also from people I had never met before but who knew them. I
like to think my family would be proud I am back in Broome County and
running for public office to serve the greater good.