MARY ALICE ARAKELIAN FOUNDATION

The Mary Alice Aralekian Foundation was started by Nicholas Arakelian in memory of his wife Mary Alice.

​

As a child Nicholas worked at Fowles News located at 17 State Street in Newburyport, Massachusetts. The store was owned by Mrs. Stephen Hooper Fowle. In 1907 when Nick was 17 years old Mrs. Fowle gave him half of the business, later becoming sole owner in 1920.

​

In 1909, Mr. Arakelian hired his first bookkeeper, Mary Alice Callahan – a student at Newburyport High School.

The two married never having children. Upon the passing of Mary Alice in 1965, Nick established the foundation which became active upon his passing in 1980.

​

The Mary Alice Arakelian Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations in the greater Newburyport area.