Designated in 2023 as an Outstanding Historic Event.
Nominator: Lorraine Michael
Much has been written about how British and Irish immigration have influenced Newfoundland society, but little attention has been given to how other non-European identities have contributed to the culture and economy of this province. Beginning with their arrival in the late 19th century, Lebanese immigrants established a successful business community despite the prejudices of Newfoundland society. The experience of the Lebanese diaspora shows how one group of immigrants and their descendants built a unique sense of place in Newfoundland, while also retaining family and cultural ties to their ancestral homeland.
Despite facing historical prejudices, the story of the Lebanese business community in Newfoundland is one of resilience and success. Many of the family businesses that started in the 1910s and 1920s continued for decades. Some still operate today, and several of the buildings built for Lebanese business owners are still standing. The descendants of early Lebanese immigrants became prominent businesspeople, community leaders, politicians, artists and musicians. Of course, Newfoundland’s Lebanese community is not limited to those whose ancestors came to Newfoundland in the late 19th and early 20th century. Since 1949, new immigrants from Lebanon have been welcomed into the thriving cultural community and have left their own mark on the business community, healthcare system and civil service among others. Third and fourth generation Lebanese Newfoundlanders remain proud of their cultural heritage and history in the province. They hold tight to cultural traditions and foodways passed down from their grandparents. Many still visit extended family members in Lebanon or have family connections across the North American Lebanese diaspora. Theirs is a unique diasporic identity, rooted in Newfoundland but still connected to their ancestral homeland.
LINKS
The Establishment of the Lebanese Business Community in Newfoundland (Book in PDF format)
John Noah, Corner Brook, Bowater Oral History Collection – Part 1 (Audio)
John Noah, Corner Brook, Bowater Oral History Collection – Part 2 (Audio)
“Growing Up as a Lebanese Newfoundlander” Living Heritage Podcast (Audio)
“Wyatt Shibley’s Research on Newfoundland’s Lebanese Community” Living Heritage Podcast (Audio)
“Other Ethnic Groups” from Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Website
“Our Lebanese Legacy” from Saltscapes magazine
Joseph’s British North American Hotel, Humbermouth, circa 1900. Photo courtesy of the Joseph family.
1912 advertisement from the Fisherman’s Advocate newspaper reveals the prejudice that early Lebanese business owners sometimes faced. From Memorial University, Archives and Special Collections.
Ad for Carbage business on Bell Island. From Newfoundland Directory 1913.
Ad for Sapp business in St. John’s. From Newfoundland Directory 1913.
Melin Noah and his family in front of his grocer’s shop on New Gower Street in St. John’s, c. 1915. From City of St. John’s Archives.
Tannius Basha’s fishing business on Water Street in Curling, circa 1920s. Photo courtesy of Thomas Daniels.
Shop owned by Margaret Boulos Basha in Stephenville, c. 1943. From The Rooms Provincial Archives.
The Palace theatre in Corner Brook, owned by Joseph A. Basha, circa 1950s. Photo courtesy of Wayne Basha.
