Rooted In the Valley: The Hagopians Escaped the Armenian Genocide and Thrived

Jan 3 2024

Published

21 hours ago

January 3, 2024

SJV Water

Richard Hagopian’s family was one of thousands who escaped the Armenian Genocide in the early 1900s and forged a new path in the fertile San Joaquin Valley.

It wasn’t an easy life, especially after his father died, leaving Richard the man of the family while still in his teens. But hard work, a successful music career, and a beloved family restaurant in Visalia sustained the family and built a future for new generations.

Now in his 80s, Richard has come back to farming. Whether his sons will keep it going is up to them.

“I can’t tell the future,” he says.

SJV Water donors and the James B. McClatchy Foundation provided funding for the Rooted in the Valley series.

— Jesse Vad, SJV Water

Watch the video at

https://gvwire.com/2024/01/03/rooted-in-the-valley-the-hagopians-escaped-the-armenian-genocide-and-thrived/

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Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2024/01/05/rooted-in-the-valley-the-hagopians-escaped-the-armenian-genocide-and-thrived/