Dear Editor:
Related to this Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the current celebrations surrounding “Old Ironsides” (The Armenian Weekly, July 7, 2012), I was delighted to see and read your publication of “How an Armenian Saved USS Constitution” by Bill Milhomme. The critical and singular role of Moses Gulesian in saving that iconic vessel from the scrapheap has remained one of the best-kept secrets in not only the Armenian community, but the wider community of all our American citizens.
Through our firm’s ongoing work with the Bostonian Society in the phased restoration and retrofit of the Old State House, I first learned of Moses Gulesian’s craft and artistic work with his copper lion and unicorn atop the cornice of the east façade. And coincidentally, I am pleased to assure all that our next phase of work includes the removal of the lion and unicorn for inspection, restoration, and reinstallation.
Thanks to you and to Milhomme for spreading the word to all on the extraordinary service of Moses Gulesian.
Best wishes for continued success with the Armenian Weekly,
Donald J. Tellalian, AIA
Tellalian Associates Architects & Planners, LLC
Boston, Mass.
Guest Contributor
My grandfather was Decran (Dikran) Joseph Gulesian and his uncle was Moses H. Gulesian. Moses sponsored many who had suffered through the massacres around 1885 and then the genocide, bringing them to Worcester, MA. His story is told by Grace Burnham in her book, “Not By Accident.”