Stephen P. Mugar
Encyclopedia
Stephen P. Mugar, 1901-1982, founder of the Star Market
chain of supermarkets in New England
, philanthropist and most prominent member of the Mugar family
of Greater Boston
, was born March 5, 1901, in Kharpert (Harput) in the former Ottoman Empire
now Turkey
, of Armenian
parents and died October 16, 1982, in Boston, Massachusetts.
from the Ottoman Empire in 1906 to join his father's brothers who owned a restaurant on Massachusetts Avenue in Boston. Another sister, Helen, was born after their arrival in Massachusetts. The 1910 United States Census shows the family in the 19th Ward of Boston and lists Sarkis Mugar's occupation as "waiter in restaurant." In 1916, Sarkis Mugar paid $800.00 for the Star Market, a small grocery store, at 28 Mt. Auburn Street in Watertown
and Stephen eventually went to work for his father in the store.
to bag groceries and encouraged him to further his education at Tufts
, from which John graduated magna cum laude in 1937. The second Star Market was opened in Newtonville in 1932 and the third one was opened in Wellesley in 1937. John Mugar joined Stephen in management and later became both President and Chairman of Star Market.
opened in 1948 and was Mugar's first supermarket. It was the proptype of the other modern supermarkets that Mugar opened during this period. Meats and produce were packaged in cellophane wrappers to make them more appealing to consumers. A conveyor belt carried bags of groceries to a central pickup station by the parking lot. Customers tired of no self service at stores such as A&P
or self service but little else at First National Stores came from miles around to patronize the new Star Market.
is non-profit group aimed at increased Armenian-American participation in the American democratic process as well as assisting in humanitarian and development programs in Armenia. Stephen Mugar gave generously during his lifetime and his estate in 1984 gave one million dollars to help launch its endowment fund.
at Tufts University
was given in memory of his parents.
, an Armenian institution in Beirut, Lebanon, was given in memory of his parents.
at Boston University
was given in memory of his parents.
in 1988, was dedicated to the memory of Stephen Pabken Mugar and Marian Graves Mugar.
at the Museum of Science, Boston
.
in Hyannis
for a new four story wing in memory of Marian and Stephen.
in Worcester, Massachusetts
to establish the Endowed Chair of Armenian Genocide Studies, which is named for "Robert Aram and Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar." The current holder of the chair is Taner Akcam
.
), and they had two children: David Graves Mugar
, who became a business leader and philanthropist in his own right, and Carolyn Mugar, activist, who started a reforestation project in Armenia
and is executive director of Farm Aid
. Stephen and Marian Mugar lived first in Watertown and then in Belmont
for many years. Stephen's business was in Boston, then moved further out to Burlington
. Stephen Mugar died October 16, 1982, and was buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery
. Marian Mugar died November 29, 1984 in Belmont and was buried next to her husband in Mount Auburn.
Star Market
Star Market was a New England chain of supermarkets owned by the Mugar family and based in Greater Boston. The company was sold to The Jewel Companies, Inc. in 1964, and was later sold to Investcorp, which sold the chain to Shaw's Supermarkets...
chain of supermarkets in New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
, philanthropist and most prominent member of the Mugar family
Mugar family
The Mugar family of Greater Boston, Massachusetts, is a prominent Armenian-American family in New England business and in philanthropy, both in the United States and in Armenia. The best known member of the family is Stephen P. Mugar, , who founded the Star Market chain of super markets on which...
of Greater Boston
Greater Boston
Greater Boston is the area of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts surrounding the city of Boston. Due to ambiguity in usage, the size of the area referred to can be anywhere between that of the metropolitan statistical area of Boston and that of the city's combined statistical area which includes...
, was born March 5, 1901, in Kharpert (Harput) in the former Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
now Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, of Armenian
Armenians
Armenian people or Armenians are a nation and ethnic group native to the Armenian Highland.The largest concentration is in Armenia having a nearly-homogeneous population with 97.9% or 3,145,354 being ethnic Armenian....
parents and died October 16, 1982, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Early life
Stephen Pabken Mugar, his father, Sarkis, and mother, Vosgitel, and his two sisters, Alice and Mary, whose family name was shortened from Mugardichian, came to AmericaUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
from the Ottoman Empire in 1906 to join his father's brothers who owned a restaurant on Massachusetts Avenue in Boston. Another sister, Helen, was born after their arrival in Massachusetts. The 1910 United States Census shows the family in the 19th Ward of Boston and lists Sarkis Mugar's occupation as "waiter in restaurant." In 1916, Sarkis Mugar paid $800.00 for the Star Market, a small grocery store, at 28 Mt. Auburn Street in Watertown
Watertown, Massachusetts
The Town of Watertown is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 31,915 at the 2010 census.- History :Archeological evidence suggests that Watertown was inhabited for thousands of years before the arrival of settlers from England...
and Stephen eventually went to work for his father in the store.
Early career
In 1922, Stephen's father was killed at age 49 from complications from an automobile accident, leaving Stephen to take over the Star Market to support his mother, himself and his sisters. His hard work, determination and concern for his customers enabled the store to prosper. In the early 1930s he hired his young first cousin, John M. MugarJohn M. Mugar
John M. Mugar president and chairman of the Star Market chain of supermarkets in New England and prominent member of the Mugar family of Greater Boston, was born April 5, 1914, in Boston, son of Armenian immigrant, Martin Mugar and his wife. He died March 23, 2007, in Gloucester.-Education:John...
to bag groceries and encouraged him to further his education at Tufts
Tufts University
Tufts University is a private research university located in Medford/Somerville, near Boston, Massachusetts. It is organized into ten schools, including two undergraduate programs and eight graduate divisions, on four campuses in Massachusetts and on the eastern border of France...
, from which John graduated magna cum laude in 1937. The second Star Market was opened in Newtonville in 1932 and the third one was opened in Wellesley in 1937. John Mugar joined Stephen in management and later became both President and Chairman of Star Market.
Later career
After the war ended and wartime restrictions and shortages were over, Star Market expanded throughout Greater Boston to meet the increased affluence and consumer demand. The second Star Market in NewtonvilleNewtonville, Massachusetts
Newtonville is a village of Newton, Massachusetts.Located in Newtonville is Newton North High School, one of the city's two high schools. Also located in Newtonville is the MBTA Commuter Rail train station, which is serviced by the buses 59, 553, 554, and 556....
opened in 1948 and was Mugar's first supermarket. It was the proptype of the other modern supermarkets that Mugar opened during this period. Meats and produce were packaged in cellophane wrappers to make them more appealing to consumers. A conveyor belt carried bags of groceries to a central pickup station by the parking lot. Customers tired of no self service at stores such as A&P
The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, better known as A&P, is a supermarket and liquor store chain in the United States. Its supermarkets, which are under six different banners, are found in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. A&P's liquor stores, known as...
or self service but little else at First National Stores came from miles around to patronize the new Star Market.
Philanthropic giving by Stephen Mugar
After making his fortune in the Star Market business, Stephen P. Mugar became a generous contributor to educational institutions and Armenian causes locally and abroad.Armenian Assembly of America
The Armenian Assembly of AmericaArmenian Assembly of America
The Armenian Assembly of America aims to "strengthen U.S./Armenia and U.S. relations, promotes Armenia's democratic development and economic prosperity and seeks universal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide" via "research, education and advocacy."...
is non-profit group aimed at increased Armenian-American participation in the American democratic process as well as assisting in humanitarian and development programs in Armenia. Stephen Mugar gave generously during his lifetime and his estate in 1984 gave one million dollars to help launch its endowment fund.
Mugar Hall at Tufts
The Mugar Hall at The Fletcher School of Law and DiplomacyThe Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University is the oldest school in the United States dedicated solely to graduate studies in international affairs. It is regarded as one of the world's foremost schools of international affairs. Every Fall, the school enrolls approximately 265...
at Tufts University
Tufts University
Tufts University is a private research university located in Medford/Somerville, near Boston, Massachusetts. It is organized into ten schools, including two undergraduate programs and eight graduate divisions, on four campuses in Massachusetts and on the eastern border of France...
was given in memory of his parents.
Mugar Library at Haigazian University
The Mugar Library at Haigazian UniversityHaigazian University
Haigazian University was founded in 1955 in Beirut, Lebanon. It offers programs leading to Bachelor's degrees in the Arts and Sciences, as well as Master's degrees in the Arts. All degrees from Haigazian are recognized by both the Lebanese government and the Association of International Colleges...
, an Armenian institution in Beirut, Lebanon, was given in memory of his parents.
Mugar Life Sciences Building at Northeastern
The Mugar Life Sciences Building at Northeastern University, which contains the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, Departments of Psychology, Biology, and Chemical Engineering, and laboratories and classrooms, was given in 1963 in memory of his parents.Mugar Memorial Library
The Mugar Memorial LibraryMugar Memorial Library
The Mugar Memorial Library is the primary library for study, teaching, and research in the humanities and social sciences for Boston University and Boston University Academy. It was opened in 1966. Stephen P. Mugar, an Armenian immigrant who was successful in the grocery business, provided the...
at Boston University
Boston University
Boston University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. With more than 4,000 faculty members and more than 31,000 students, Boston University is one of the largest private universities in the United States and one of Boston's largest employers...
was given in memory of his parents.
Armenian Library & Museum of America
In 1992, the former Coolidge Bank building in Watertown, which was bought by the Armenian Library and Museum of AmericaArmenian Library and Museum of America
Armenian Library and Museum of America , located in Watertown, Massachusetts, United States, is an institution that has the largest collection of Armenian artifacts in North America.-History:...
in 1988, was dedicated to the memory of Stephen Pabken Mugar and Marian Graves Mugar.
Mugar Omni Theater
In 1985, David Mugar gave the money for the Marian G. and Stephen P. Mugar Omni TheaterMugar Omni Theater
The Mugar Omni Theater is a domed IMAX theater at the Museum of Science, in Boston, Massachusetts.-Description:The Mugar Omni is named after David G. Mugar's parents, Stephen P. Mugar and Marian G. Mugar. The Mugar Omni is non-profit and opened in 1987. Over 900,000 visitors came in its first...
at the Museum of Science, Boston
Museum of Science, Boston
The Museum of Science is a Boston, Massachusetts landmark, located in Science Park, a plot of land spanning the Charles River. Along with over 500 interactive exhibits, the Museum features a number of live presentations throughout the building every day, along with shows at the Charles Hayden...
.
Mugar Building at Cape Cod Hospital
In 2002, David Mugar gave $5,000,000.00 to the Cape Cod HospitalCape Cod Hospital
Cape Cod Hospital is a not-for-profit regional medical center located in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Founded in 1920, as of 2011 it is the largest hospital on Cape Cod. The current administration is headed by CEO Michael K. Lauf....
in Hyannis
Hyannis, Massachusetts
Hyannis is the largest of seven villages in Barnstable, Massachusetts. Also it is the commercial and transportation hub of Cape Cod and was designated an urban area as a result of the 1990 census. Because of this, many refer to Hyannis as the "Capital of the Cape"...
for a new four story wing in memory of Marian and Stephen.
Endowed Chair of Armenian Genocide Studies
Carolyn Mugar and her husband, John O'Connor, shortly before his death November 30, 2002, made a gift to Clark UniversityClark University
Clark University is a private research university and liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts.Founded in 1887, it is the oldest educational institution founded as an all-graduate university. Clark now also educates undergraduates...
in Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a city and the county seat of Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Named after Worcester, England, as of the 2010 Census the city's population is 181,045, making it the second largest city in New England after Boston....
to establish the Endowed Chair of Armenian Genocide Studies, which is named for "Robert Aram and Marianne Kaloosdian and Stephen and Marian Mugar." The current holder of the chair is Taner Akcam
Taner Akçam
Altuğ Taner Akçam is a Turkish historian and sociologist. He is one of the first Turkish academics to acknowledge and openly discuss the Armenian Genocide, and is recognized as a "leading international authority" on the subject....
.
Marriage and Family
In the 1930s, Stephen Mugar married Marian Graves (born June 29, 1901, in SaugusSaugus, Massachusetts
Saugus is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Greater Boston area. The population was 26,628 at the 2010 census.-History:Saugus was first settled in 1629. Saugus is an Indian name believed to mean "great" or "extended"...
), and they had two children: David Graves Mugar
David G. Mugar
David G. Mugar is an Armenian-American businessman and philanthropist from Belmont, Massachusetts. He is CEO and chairman of Mugar Enterprises. His father, Stephen P. Mugar was the founder of the Star Market supermarket chain, and was also a major Boston-area philanthropist...
, who became a business leader and philanthropist in his own right, and Carolyn Mugar, activist, who started a reforestation project in Armenia
Armenia
Armenia , officially the Republic of Armenia , is a landlocked mountainous country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia...
and is executive director of Farm Aid
Farm Aid
Farm Aid started as a benefit concert on September 22, 1985, in Champaign, Illinois, held to raise money for family farmers in the United States...
. Stephen and Marian Mugar lived first in Watertown and then in Belmont
Belmont, Massachusetts
Belmont is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. The population was 24,729 at the 2010 census.- History :Belmont was founded on March 18, 1859 by former citizens of, and land from the bordering towns of Watertown, to the south; Waltham, to the west; and Arlington, then...
for many years. Stephen's business was in Boston, then moved further out to Burlington
Burlington, Massachusetts
Burlington is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 24,498 at the 2010 census.- History :It is believed that Burlington takes its name from the English town of Bridlington, however this has never been confirmed....
. Stephen Mugar died October 16, 1982, and was buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery
Mount Auburn Cemetery was founded in 1831 as "America's first garden cemetery", or the first "rural cemetery", with classical monuments set in a rolling landscaped terrain...
. Marian Mugar died November 29, 1984 in Belmont and was buried next to her husband in Mount Auburn.