USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester county; a narrative history, Volume III > Part 104
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108
Charles M. Kane was born in Spencer, October 7, 1883, and received his education in the local
Wor .- 26
402
WORCESTER COUNTY
schools, including a course in the high school, where he was graduated in 1903. For a time he was associated with his father in the dry goods business, but in 1909, in which year the Park Thea- tre was built and incorporated, he was chosen stage manager. In 1916 he was advanced to the position of manager and has since exemplified his ability as the head of a theatre. The house has seating capacity of six hundred, and the stock is all owned by Spencer people. Politically he is aligned with the Republicans and his fraternal affiliations in- clude the Knights of Columbus. He makes his home with his sister, Miss Sarah R. Kane, at No. 15 Main Street, Spencer.
CARL E. WAHLSTROM-Versatility and ability have been characteristics of the career of Carl E. Wahlstrom, assistant Register of the Pro- bate Court of Worcester, lawyer, educator and public-minded citizen. He was born in Worces- ter, January 27, 1898, a son of John P. and Anna M. (Erickson) Wahlstrom, both of whom were natives of Sweden who came to Massachusetts more than a half century ago and settled in Wor- cester. Carl attended the public schools of his native city and was graduated from the local high school in 1916. Four years later he had gained his degree, Bachelor of Arts, from Clark Univer- sity, and during the next autumn matriculated at Boston University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1923, with the degree of Bach- elor of Laws. During three of the years that he was studying at Clark University he won scholar- ships and in Law School he had a scholarship for the entire course.
In 1924 Mr. Wahlstrom was admitted to the bar of Worcester County, and in 1925 was appointed instructor of law at Northeastern University. He began the practice of his profession immediately after his graduation from Boston University, and received his appointment to the post he still holds, assistant register of the Probate Court, in 1925. As is evident, Mr. Wahlstrom is a lawyer of extensive knowledge and thorough training, one who seems destined to become a "lawyer's lawyer." He is much consulted by his professional colleagues by whom he is held in high esteem.
Mr. Wahlstrom's scholastic career was inter- rupted by a period of service in the forces of the United States during the World War. He enlisted and was assigned to Camp Grant, Illinois, with the rank of lieutenant in the infantry. He has always been greatly interested in civic activities and hu- manitarian projects, and has served the community in many valuable ways. Mr. Wahlstrom is the originator, or founder, of the Senate Public Speak- ing classes. For a year he was the secretary of the board of directors of the Worcester Free Library. Since 1928 he has been the secretary- treasurer of the Worcester County Bar Associa- tion. He has also held several offices in the Worces- ter Kiwanis Club, and is secretary of the Worces- ter Economic Club. In the fall of 1933 he became legal advisor and secretary of the Worcester N. R. A. Compliance Board and in January, 1934, was elected president of the board of directors of the Worcester Free Public Library. Fraternally, Mr. Wahlstrom is affiliated with Morning Star Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; is master of Rose Croix, and is a member of all the bodies of Masonry up to, and including the thirty-second
degree, Scottish Rite. His church affiliations are with the First Swedish Methodist Church of Wor- cester.
On June I, 1931, Carl E. Wahlstrom married Margaret U. Wahlstrom, of Worcester, and they make their home at No. 38 Beachmont Street, Worcester.
HOWARD A. STEVENS-As owner and operator of the National Crescent Coal Company, which he established at Worcester in 1927, Howard A. Stevens has built up a successful enterprise, requiring a large coal yard and several delivery trucks to meet the demands upon it by its cus- tomers.
Mr. Stevens was born in Worcester, May 10, 1887, a son of William A. and Amelia F. (Chap- man) Stevens, both natives of this State. His father was a contractor engaged largely in mill construction work.
Howard A. Stevens received his education in Worcester schools, graduating from the South High School. After completing his course there, he entered the coal business as an employee of the Claflin-Sumner Company and has since devoted his attention to this field. Starting in the capacity of clerk and bookkeeper, he won promotion, even- tually was made yard superintendent, and con- tinued with this firm for sixteen years, up to 1927. Then, seeking larger opportunities, he entered the business for himself, establishing the National Cres- cent Coal Company, which he has since success- fully operated. Mr. Stevens is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. While he has always given his best attention to his business and has time for few outside interests, he supports civic and benevo- lent projects of merit and has various other con- nections. His favorite recreation is fishing.
On October 16, 1911, Howard A. Stevens mar- ried Mary E. Clarke. They are the parents of two children: Howard W. and Dorothy F.
JAMES F. McLAUGHLIN-As chief proba- tion officer for the Superior Court of Worcester County, James F. Mclaughlin is widely known in legal circles and public life in this county. He has been a member of the Massachusetts bar for almost thirty years and has proved himself an effi- cient officer of the court in the responsible position he now holds.
Mr. McLaughlin was born at Lancaster, Massa- chusetts, on March 13, 1881, a son of James and Elizabeth (Cunningham) Mclaughlin. Both par- ents were born in Ireland and came to America in their youth, settling in Clinton, Massachusetts. After their marriage they removed to Lancaster, Massachusetts, where the father was engaged as a carpenter and building contractor. Both are now deceased.
James F. McLaughlin was educated in the pub- lic schools of Lancaster, being graduated from high school in 1899. Subsequently he entered Bos- ton University, and in 1904 was graduated from the law school of that institution with the Bach- elor of Laws degree. Admitted to the bar in the same year, he began practice at Leominster, and for twenty years was engaged in practice there, winning an important position at the local bar. He was appointed a member of the commission on the revision of the city charter and also served for
Sarl E. Wahlstrom
403
WORCESTER COUNTY
several years as secretary of the Board of Trade. Finally he was appointed probation officer of the Leominster District Court and held that office with distinction, until he removed to Worcester in 1919 to take up his duties as chief probation officer of the Superior Court of Worcester County. Here he has continued the record of efficient and satisfac- tory service which has marked his career in public life. Mr. McLaughlin's work, involving the super- vision of probation and parole cases, takes him all over the county and has brought him a wide ac- quaintance throughout this section. He is a mem- ber of the Massachusetts Probation Officers So- ciety, the Worcester County Probation Officers As- sociation and the National Probation Association. Apart from his other connections, he is affiliated fraternally with the Knights of Columbus; Leo- minster Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and is a member of the University Club of Worcester and the Wachusett Country Club. In religious faith he is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
On June 5, 1907, James F. McLaughlin married Mary Devlin of Boston. They are the parents of two children: I. J. Frank, born June 4, 1909. 2. James F., born June 6, 1919.
ELEAZER D. JORJORIAN-Eleazer D. Jorjorian, president of the Eagle Plating Company, of Worcester, is one of the well-known business men of this city.
Mr. Jorjorian was born at Harpoot, Armenia, on August 24, 1870. In the schools of Armenia, he received his early education, coming to America in 1888. He was endowed with the native ambi- tion and thrift of his race, and, although having only twenty dollars and a few clothes, he made up his mind to succeed in his adopted country. De- siring to learn the customs and speech of the United States, he took a position in a plating company in Connecticut, where he acquired a com- plete knowledge of his trade. Though he could not speak English when he arrived, he contrived to master this tongue before long and improved as the years went on in his handling of the lan- guage. At the same time he was perfecting him- self in his trade, first at New Britain, then in Meriden and later in Hartford, Connecticut. It was about 1900 that he came to Worcester, where he has since been engaged independently in busi- ness.
Here he built up the organization known as the Eagle Plating Company, referred to above. Taking quarters in Summer Street, Worcester, he built up the business until he now employs from thirty to thirty-five men. In 1923 he purchased from the Channing Realty Company the property on the opposite side of Summer Street, in order to enlarge his plant and improve his facilities for meeting the increased demands made upon the plating company. During the World War period, Mr. Jorjorian came to be nationally known in the plating trade, receiving contracts at that time from the govern- ment and supplying large quantities of plating to the country. He was the first man to perfect a formula for the electro-galvanized rust-proofing process on shells and adapters. Of the different formulae submitted, his was the first to pass suc- cessfully the government test. In the spring of 1929 Edsel Ford made a contract with the Eagle Plating Company to furnish the $10,000 door to
his home in Detroit, Michigan. The door, of beaten bronze, was made by the Gorham Company, the makers declaring that a duplicate would cost about $30,000. There was no plating house in Providence having a tank large enough for the plating of the door, which is eight feet, eight inches in height and three feet three inches wide and is regarded by critics as one of the finest examples of this type of decorative architecture. Bronze had not previously been much used for private homes. The metal, even then, constituted only a small part of the door's real value, which was chiefly contained in the fine handwrought work. The Jorjorian company does all sorts of plating- gold, silver, nickel, brass, copper, cadmium and chromium electroplating, enameling and japanning on both metal and wood, and electrogalvanizing by the cold process. There is also small-order work, such as the plating of knives, forks, spoons, automobile parts, stove parts and all kinds of metal gadgets.
In chromium plating, the company uses its own special solution, thereby saving the expense of pay- ing a royalty, and gives its customers the resultant price benefits. Arthur E. Jorjorian, younger son of Mr. Jorjorian, was graduated from the Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology in 1929, after doing special research work there in this kind of plating. Both he and another son, Leon E. Jor- jorian, are associated with their father in business. Leon E. Jorjorian demonstrated his ability by tak- ing charge of the plant a number of years ago while his father was on one of his periodical European trips, and since then has been active in the management of the company. The Jorjorians also have their special process of galvanizing, which produces work far more rust-resisting than ordi- nary galvanizing. The War Department work done by this firm was not confined to the World War period, in which it galvanized 4,000,000 boosters for gas shells; for in 1929 it was for some time engaged in galvanizing gas-mask nozzles for the government.
In addition to his own business, Eleazar D. Jor- jorian has been a leader in certain organizational enterprises in Worcester and vicinity. He is a member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce and other groups and figures prominently in any undertaking designed to bring about civic improve- ment.
He has been twice married (first), in 1897, to Zabelle Thomajian, who died in 1905, and (second), in 1907, to Taguke Tashjian. By the first mar- riage there was born one son: I. Leon E., referred to above, now a partner in the business. By the second marriage there were three children: 2. Ar- thur E., now associated with his father in busi- ness. 3. Zabelle. 4. Irene.
MAGHAK G. BERBERIAN-At the age of fifteen years, unable to speak the English language, Maghak G. Berberian, now proprietor of two cloth- ing stores in Worcester, came from his native Armenia and today is one of the best known mer- chants in this city. He is also prominently iden- tified with affairs of his former nationals, in reli- gious, charitable and political organizations.
Born in Harpoot, Turkish Armenia, December 25, 1884, Mr. Berberian attended the schools of his native city until he was fourteen years of age. Unaccompanied, he came to America in 1899. Al-
404
WORCESTER COUNTY
though unfamiliar with the tongue of this coun- try, he was far enough advanced in his studies to enter the Evening High School in Worcester, to which city he came at once following his arrival in New York. Eventually he made himself master of English and, after being variously employed, he determined to enter business on his own ac- count. In 19II he opened a small store in Worces- ter and started by selling suits. He has since added another store to his establishment, which he has modernized with fixtures and stock, so that his places of business are regarded as among the im- portant retail stores of men's and boys' clothing in Worcester.
He has from early manhood interested himself actively in welfare and civic movements for his race. This is true also of his attitude toward Worcester city and county activities. For ten years he has been chairman of the Armenian-American Republican Club, and he is a member of the execu- tive committee of the Armenian-American Repub- lican Club of Massachusetts. In 1909 he and Vahan Kurkjian organized the Armenian General Benevolent Union in Worcester, in which he was made an honorary member because of his work for this organization. He is a member of the A. D. L. Club, in which he has held important offices. To the development and growth of the Armenian Apostolic Church in America he has contributed much of his time and means. For twenty-two years as a delegate and fourteen years as secretary, also as a member of the executive council for eighteen years, he attended the church conventions in this country or officiated in the ca- pacities mentioned. In I911 he was elected by the National Armenian Assembly in New York to be the one lay delegate to represent the Armenians of the United States at the election of the Catholicos (head of the church), at Etchmiadzin in Russian Armenia, there being only one other delegate from the United States, a priest of the church. In 1930, when four lay delegates were selected, he was again one of those thus honored. During the tercente- nary celebration of Massachusetts he was appointed by the mayor as a member of the committee on the celebration of the event in Worcester. He was also made a member of the committee on appro- priation for the World War Memorial Building, in Worcester, which was completed at a cost of $2,- 000,000. A member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, he is affiliated also with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Berberian married, March 3, 1918, Velda S. Derghazarian, a native of Armenia, and they have three children : Abahid, Adrienne, and Miriam. Mr. Berberian has his business address at No. 551 Main Street, Worcester.
ARTHUR S. MANZI-As a boy of fourteen, Arthur S. Manzi, president of the Manzi Funeral Home, Inc., of Worcester, came to America, and despite the handicap of a lack of knowledge, at that time, of the English language he has achieved success and gained a place of importance. He was born in Laurenzana, Province of Potenza, Italy, April 2, 1887, a son of Francesco and Amalia (Laraia) Manzi, of which place his father was a substantial business man.
Educated in Italian schools, Arthur S. Manzi, in company with his brother, Luciano, came to
New York City on November 2, 1901. Shortly after he moved to Worcester and was employed in various ways during the day time, while he at- tended night schools in the endeavor to perfect the speaking of a new language and to increase his knowledge of American ways and business. Aside from a few months spent in New York City with a concern that made pocketbooks, Mr. Manzi has been continuously a resident of Massachusetts and chiefly of Worcester. For a time he sold food supplies in Worcester and Westboro; later he became associated with the Samuel Winslow Skate Manufacturing Company, with which he remained for three and a half years. Then fol- lowed two years on delivery truck work, and finally he purchased a team of horses, and in September, 1907, established his own business. A cab was later added to his equipment and gradually he sup- plied carriages for funeral directors.
Mr. Manzi has always acted upon the principle that the only right way to do a thing is to do it thoroughly and well. In order to add to his experience, knowledge of the business, he entered the Embalming School of Boston and remained until he was graduated in 1909. He at once began his career as a funeral director, and it now covers more than a quarter of a century. He has one of the best equipped and perfect funeral homes in Worcester and is the president and treasurer of the Manzi Funeral Home, Inc., located at No. 179 Shrewsbury Street, in this city. He is a member of the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Associa- tion. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Columbus, Foresters of America, and the Columbus Society, Order of the Sons of Italy. A lover of the outdoors, he enjoys fishing, hunting and golf, and is a member of the Italian Golf Club.
On November 12, 1912, at Worcester, Arthur S. Manzi married Lillian Risso, a native of Worces- ter, and they have a son, Francis, born June II, 1915, now a student of North High School, Wor- cester.
HYMAN I. GOLUMBUK-The manufactur- ing interests of Worcester, which are the bulwark of the city's business life, include an important unit in the National Shoe and Slipper Company, founded by Hyman I. Golumbuk. He has served as president of the company since its incorpora- tion, and is regarded as one of the leading indus- trialists of the city. His colleagues in the local business world give him credit for enterprise and progressiveness in making his organization one of the most modern of its kind in equipment and spirit.
Mr. Golumbuk was born in Russia on December 28, 1894, son of Haskel and Esther Golumbuk, who reside in their homeland, where the father is living in retirement. After Hyman I. Golumbuk, of this review, completed his education in the pub- lic schools and settled in Worcester, he began to realize an ambition of many years' standing by entering upon a business career. He started opera- tions in 1913 in association with the New England Slipper Company and, when the World War began, was earning a large salary with this corporation, having become a recognized expert in the shoe business. Upon returning from service in France, where he had served with the 77th Regiment of Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces, and had
405
WORCESTER COUNTY
been wounded in the Meuse-Argonne campaign, he found himself, like so many others, unable to secure his old, well-paid position. He thereupon started over again, receiving the low wage of $II a week. He had, however, saved some money, and so determined to risk this sum in founding a busi- ness of his own. He formed, with a Mr. Kumin, the G. and K. Felt Slipper Company. At Mr. Kumin's retirement, in 1920, Mr. Golumbuk was left to carry on the business independently.
At about that time he obtained a large order from an eastern company and because of the shortage of money was forced to look around for assistance. Going to H. L. Goodwin, of Mulberry Street, Worcester, for whom he had worked, he secured from him enough cash to permit him to carry forward his plans. It is worth while to note that Mr. Goodwin advanced him the necessary funds without asking security, thereby showing his belief in Mr. Golumbuk's integrity and ability. Mr. Golumbuk was now joined by a Mr. Grace, who became a partner in the enterprise.
With the incorporation of the firm under the style of the National Shoe and Slipper Company, in 1921, Mr. Golumbuk was made president. Since that time he has served continuously in this office, faithfully and effectively fulfilling the duties per- taining to it. Mr. Grace was chosen treasurer, and Irving P. Sawyer secretary. A review of Mr. Sawyer's life and work is to be found else- where in this work. Under Mr. Golumbuk's guid- ance the volume of business increased to such an extent that two removals to larger quarters were necessary. The first removal took place in 1922, when they went to Nos. 8-10 Beech Street. In 1930 they came to the present site in Green Street. Meanwhile, Mr. Grace withdrew from the com- pany, and Mr. Sawyer was elected his successor. In this manner Mr. Sawyer acquired the dual office of secretary-treasurer. In its Green Street quar- ters, the company has floor space of about 50,000 square feet, and in a modernly equipped plant furnishes employment to four hundred and fifty hands. Its products consist of women's shoes, low- priced Mckay's and Goodyear's shoes, and "Solid Comfy" slippers. These items have brought the organization an international reputation for leader- ship in its field, and its goods find a ready outlet in the markets of the United States and Canada. Mr. Golumbuk points with pride to the commend- able features of the business and its administration, most of which have been the direct result of his suggestions, though he has always cooperated with every other forward-looking individual or move- ment started within the organization.
Not confining his efforts to sales alone, Mr. Golumbuk has interested himself in the social well- being of his employees. The company sponsors and encourages athletics, diversions and recreations among them, instituting contests to promote their health and morale. Good-will prevails in the or- ganization, which once a year provides an outing for the workers at the company's expense. These picnics are festive and extremely pleasurable to everybody connected with the business. They have benefited both officials of the company and the employed personnel, and each year are anticipated eagerly.
As a citizen of foreign birth who has been assimilated into American life, Mr. Golumbuk has given full proof of his allegiance to the United
States Government. His eagerness to be of service at a time of great world stress was demonstrated during the World War period, as it is demon- strated today in his affiliation with some of the foremost organizations in Worcester business and civic life. He is a member of the Veterans of the World War, the Chamber of Commerce of Worces- ter, a number of local clubs and the Society of B'nai B'rith. He attends a synagogue of the Hebrew faith in his home city.
Hyman I. Golumbuk married, in 1924, Minnie I. Ginns, of Worcester. Their children were: I. Eleanor R., born September 12, 1925. 2. Leon H., born March 9, 1927. 3. Bennett G., born October 24, 1929. 4. Phillis Anne, born October 4, 1933.
SATREK DER BAGDASARIAN-In the business life of the city and county of Worcester, Satrek Der Bagdasarian, operating under the style of the Lincoln Clothing Company, has firmly estab- lished himself. His store, at No. 2 Lincoln Square, caters to a select line of customers for men's fur- nishings and shoes. He is prominent in Armenian affairs, religious, civic and political.
Mr. Bagdasarian was born in Harpoot, Turkish Armenia, May 15, 1881, and attended the schools of his native city. He then went to Constantinople and became a commission merchant, carrying for- ward this line of business for fourteen years. In 1913 he came to America and made his home in Worcester. On February 1, 1914, he opened his present store at No. 2 Lincoln Square, where he has since continued successfully. He was one of the first of the Armenians in Worcester to engage in a mercantile business here and has always had the esteem and confidence of his patrons and the public generally.
He is one of the foremost Armenians of Amer- ican adoption in the affairs of his former nationals in this country. He is a member and ex-president of the Armenian General Benevald Society, a mem- ber and former president of the board of trus- tees of the Armenian Church, trustee and treas- urer of the prelacy of the Armenian Church of America, a member of the Council of the Armenian Church in America, and representative to this body from the Worcester congregation. He is also affiliated with the Armenian Democratic Liberal party and a member of Worcester Lodge, No. 243, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.