Written by Mark Hagopian, George Hagopian Sr's Grandson.
Born in New England, George Hagopian Sr. lost his sight when he was a mere child. He dimly recalls the appearance of the sun, the green of trees and grass — and that is all. Early in life, he entered Perkins Institution, which is devoted to the education of the sightless. Some years later, his immediate family found it necessary to move to a distant part of the country, but George Sr. remained in Boston alone.
During certain summer vacations, he boarded on the farm which was then owned by a Mr. Fisher. George Sr. developed a love for the country, which eventually drew him back to the open fields.
At the school, Hagopian secured a good general education, the benefit of which was apparent when he spoke on any subject. He also studied music, learned piano tuning, and how to cane chairs, graduating in 1910. Mr. Fisher had passed away and George Sr. took up his residence at the farm, caning chairs as a source of income.
In 1912, a 50-foot poultry house was erected along with an incubator, lamp-heated brooders, and 90 S. C. Rhode Island Reds and the business grew very profitable and more buildings were erected to house the chickens.
During their marriage, George Sr. and Beatrice had 3 children, George Jr., Robert and Sylvia.
In 1949, a large fire of undetermined cause broke out. Over 80,000 chicks were lost and the 250 foot building was a total loss with over $100,000 worth of damage.