relative lack of Armenians in Pittsburgh (York, Liberty: high school, shop, move to)

[yofie]

Why did so few Armenian immigrants (generally Orthodox Christians) move to Pittsburgh in the early- to mid-20th century, even though it attracted a lot of Orthodox Christian immigrants from Eastern Europe and the Balkans/Greece and even some Lebanese Christian immigrants (mainly Maronites) in that same time period?

[Tallysmom]

It’s hard to prove a negative, as in why didn’t. My thinking is they went where there were established Armenian communities, like New York City, Boston, and apparently Fresno, according to Wikipedia.

I’m not sure if this is just a general question, or if you were looking into a specific family, as in genealogy. You might be able to find that answer in ship records of the family who’s coming over. Often they were sponsored. And that sponsor would be listed. If not that, check census records at where that family ended up, and check around in the same area, go a few pages front and back and see if you can find similar names, they might’ve moved in near family. And that would be your answer as to why that family settled in New York.

Good luck on your search.

[screechingweasel]

Originally Posted by yofie

Why did so few Armenian immigrants (generally Orthodox Christians) move to Pittsburgh in the early- to mid-20th century, even though it attracted a lot of Orthodox Christian immigrants from Eastern Europe and the Balkans/Greece and even some Lebanese Christian immigrants (mainly Maronites) in that same time period?

It probably was a class thing. By and large Pittsburgh's population rose in numbers due to a demand for blue collar labor in the immediate area.

[Pughnose]

Originally Posted by Tallysmom

It’s hard to prove a negative, as in why didn’t. My thinking is they went where there were established Armenian communities, like New York City, Boston, and apparently Fresno, according to Wikipedia.

Yup, there's a noticeable Armenian influence in parts of the CA Central Valley. I think that a lot of groups from elsewhere went (and still go) to where others from the same place went before. Used to be quite a few Portuguese dairy families around there too, though most of the small dairies are gone now.

As to the OP question about Pgh, no idea..

[_Buster]

Its such a small place, Armenia, that IDK why the OP would assume there would be. The whole population of Armenia is not much more than the Pittsburgh metro. There aren't many Azerbaijanians either.there were a fair amount of Syrians

[szug-bot]

i think over the 1980s and 90s, Armenians migrated to parts of connecticut (is that technically metropolitan NYC? I think so.)

Armenians are another small european group with an interesting culture, fascinating yet brutal history (well, what nation does NOT have a brutal history. even the Swedes were violent marauders at one point).

[_Buster]

Originally Posted by szug-bot

i think over the 1980s and 90s, Armenians migrated to parts of connecticut (is that technically metropolitan NYC? I think so.)

Armenians are another small european group with an interesting culture, fascinating yet brutal history (well, what nation does NOT have a brutal history. even the Swedes were violent marauders at one point).

any culture who says they weren't are lying.

[bradjl2009]

Originally Posted by _Buster

Its such a small place, Armenia, that IDK why the OP would assume there would be. The whole population of Armenia is not much more than the Pittsburgh metro. There aren't many Azerbaijanians either.there were a fair amount of Syrians

According to Wikipedia, there's an estimated population of Armenians in the US of 800,000 to 1.5 million, so it's quite possible there are more people in this county.

[_Buster]

Originally Posted by bradjl2009

According to Wikipedia, there's an estimated population of Armenians in the US of 800,000 to 1.5 million, so it's quite possible there are more people in this county.

well 2.9 mil in Armenia. you mean country not county right

[Doowlle34]

This was an interesting question to me so I took a quick dip in the newspaper archive, but no slamdunk article. Some interesting facts about Pittsburgh's Armenian-American community:


1. Although we did not have a large community, there was definitely a small, vibrant one.

2. No doubt, the most prominent member was David Shakarian, the founder of GNC. Shakarian's 1984 obituary reflects that he was born in East Liberty, graduated from Peabody High School, and was one of 5 children of parents who "left their native land because of persecution from Turkish soldiers". Forbes had estimated Shakarian's wealth at $350 million shortly before he died.

3. The community was large enough such that, in 1964, an Armenian Archbishop, Nion Manogian, visited Pittsburgh to celebrate mass.

4. Throughout the late 60s through the 80s, there are several references to the local Armenian-American Social Club, including a great photo from 1977 of Armenian-Americans dancing at the Stephen Foster Memorial in Oakland to celebrate their annual Christmas Party. An article from the early 80s includes a photo of three local Armenian-American women making "Khorovatz" (ground meat kebab), for an Armenian food festival.

5. Most articles from 1977 onward reference the efforts of the local Armenian-American community to raise money to fund an Armenian nationality room at the Cathedral of Learning. The community finally succeeded in their goal in 1988, and an article about the opening of the room indicates that there were "around 100" Armenian American families in the Pittsburgh area.