Mark and his three young sons, ca 1935
Harold, James, & John, The three brothers at James's 70th B-day
"Uncle Harold" Keshishian in the driveway of "You know
Where" Ca. 1960
Mark Keshishian at a "Keshishian Sale", Ca. 1965
Mark
Keshishian, ca 1970
A 1936 Newspaper Add
|
Mark Keshishian was born 1894 in a large
town/city called Hadjin or Hacin in Cilicia, or Armenia
Minor, which was part of Turkey. From his childhood, he developed an
understanding of the art of
weaving and a perception of the beauty created by the blending of the
different colors in intricate
designs. The Oriental Carpet Manufacturing Company (OCM, which is still
in business today), had
established 400 looms in Hadjin. His father also dealt with rugs in the
town, and in 1907, had given
one of his older brothers $2,500 in gold to start a business, which
later was the Keshishian
Brothers.
His early education he attended the American School in
Hadjin, then in
1908, he attended the
Central Turkey College in Aintab. In 1913 he entered into the American
University of Beirut as a
medical student. After two years of studies, he was called up for
military service in the Turkish
army during WWI. It was during this period that
Hadjin fell to the Turks
while they exiled all the
Armenians. His father, mother, younger brothers and sisters (He the 7th
out of 14 children) were
exiled from Hadjin and later completely massacred on the way from Aleppo
via Ras-ul-ain to
Der-Zor (Syria).
After the war he would go back and finish his master’s in Pharmacy,
graduating in 1919, but was
never able to continue to get his medical degree. Even during this time
he was buying and selling
oriental rugs on the side.
By 1921, he rejoined his brother and Keshishian Brothers was established
with headquarters in New
York and Constantinople with connections in London..But by 1922, he had
to leave Constantinople
(it was not safe for him there) with his new wife and go to Corfu
Greece. By 1923 the Turkey was
deporting the entire Christian Population, both Greeks and Armenians.
These refuges were landing
in Corfu. Mark approached Sir Robert Graves, who had a connection with
the League of Nations
and Save-the-Children Fund and they formed the Muhajir Rug Company
(Refugee Rug Company).
They had 40 looms set up and from 1923 to 1925 they were making rugs.
In 1925, with wife and child, he went to London and started a wholesale
import export business of
oriental rugs at 29 Camomile Street, E.C., London. His business thrived
there till the depression hit.
With capital tied up in New York, he ended up moving to New York, and
January 5th, 1931, they
landed, now with his wife and three sons… and within six months were in
Washington DC.
Over the years Mark had the privilege of serving Dignitaries, Embassies,
Congressmen, Senators,
even the White House.
Mark passed away, after a very full life in 1985.
Two of Mark’s sons, James and Harold, went into the family business,
carrying on the tradition.
James passed away in 2003
Harold carried on the business, as well as Melissa Keshishian, Harold’s
wife and the third
generation, Mark S. Keshishian.
For over three generations, the family owned business has offered its
clientele the largest selection
of exceptional Oriental rugs, antique, semi antique, stylish modern
rugs, killims, aubussons,
savonerie and many other weavings. Mark Keshishian and Sons is located
in down town Chevy
Chase Maryland, with convenient parking right in front at 4507 Stanford
Street, Chevy Chase
Maryland 20815
Mark Keshishian on Ellis Island with "L.B.J."
Receiving an Accommodation On Behalf of the Armenians
Mark Keshishian, ca 1918
Graduation Photo From
The American University of Beirut, I his Ottoman Army Uniform.
Uncle Jimmy Meets Colin Powell, wearing one of his Bronze
Stars
Uncle Harold at the Hillwood Museum during the installation of custom
reproduction stair carpets
Uncle Harold in front of his Star Oushak |
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