Charles Talanian, Sr.
Charles Talanian, Sr. founded of C. Talanian Real Estate in Boston. C. Talanian is perhaps the largest holder of Newbury Street retail property[1], and Newbury Street is credited as one of the three most expensive streets in all of the United States along with Fifth Avenue in New York and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills[2].
Charles had a grocery store in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. He closed the store at the beginning of World War II and worked as an airplane mechanic. He applied his mechanical skills following the war by opening a Kaiser-Fraiser automobile dealership and garage. Following the sale of the garage, he went into real estate, which became his major career. He founded the C. Talanian Realty Company, the oldest established specialists for retail and office space on Boston's fashionable Newbury Street.
Married to Nevart. Children Charles Talanian, Jr., and Gail O'Reilly.
Armenian Tree Project article
The Talanians of Newbury Street Support New Reforestation Initiatives in Armenia's Rural and Mountainous Regions
BOSTON, MA: From their real estate offices on Newbury Street in downtown Boston, Charles M. Talanian and Gail O’Reilly, the children of Nevart and the late Charles Sr., reflect on their passion for, and sense of responsibility towards, their Armenian homeland. Long-time supporters of the Armenia Tree Project, the Talanians, have pledged $100,000 through their family foundation to kick-start ATP’s new reforestation initiatives in Armenia’s rural and mountainous regions.
“On my first trip in 1995, I was shocked at what I saw in Armenia,” said Charles. “Just looking at the landscape was so disappointing. There were no trees, no birds, no life of any description. A place of great beauty seemed drained, but now things are changing.” As an owner in the new Marriot Armenia Hotel, Charles is there 4 to 6 times a year, checking on the progress of the renovations. He says, “I can see the contributions that committed members of the Diaspora are making in the lives of our countrymen. I also believe that this is Armenia’s last chance to move forward. It is now or never. We cannot expect the younger generation of Armenian Americans to feel that same sense of connection with the motherland. It is up to us.”
Gail’s first visit to Armenia in 1991 changed her life. With the fall of the Soviet Union, she recalled, with pathos, how it could have been her family, huddled in a small Yerevan apartment, with no heat or running water, and no real prospects for the future. If her grandfathers had not left western Armenia and settled in America, she too would have been forced to chop down trees for fuel. In 2004, Gail can see the change brought about by her contributions to the Armenia Tree Project. “The former stump-strewn landscape of Armenia is being transformed. You can see green once more,” she said.
After four and a half years of researching Armenia’s finest artisans, Gail has founded http://www.MadeinArmeniadirect.com, an Internet site where she sells the handicrafts of 60 of Armenia’s best craftspeople. “I’m glad to see my artisans gaining weight,” says Gail. “I know that means they have food on the table.” Gail’s concern for the environment is still of foremost concern. “When I purchase crafts, made of wood, I ensure that any trees that are lost are immediately replaced through ATP.”
Nevart Talanian's late husband, Charles Talanian, Sr. was a self-made man of humble origins. Charles had a grocery store in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. He closed the store at the beginning of World War II and worked as an airplane mechanic. He applied his mechanical skills following the war by opening a Kaiser-Fraiser automobile dealership and garage. Following the sale of the garage, he went into real estate, which became his major career. He founded the C. Talanian Realty Company, the oldest established specialists for retail and office space on Boston's fashionable Newbury Street.
Nevart was always at his side throughout all of his career changes during their 45 years of marriage. They were a team, and their legacy lives on with their commitment, and support for Armenia and the Armenia Tree Project. As Nevart eloquently stated, “Carolyn had a vision 10 years ago, and we wanted to applaud and support her goal for survival of our homeland. Whatever we can do, we should do. We can all make a difference.”
Source: http://www.armeniatree.org/supporter/supporter.htm#talanian