Part OfJohn Coury Oral HistoryTranscriberJerry AbbittContributorJerry AbbittIntervieweeJohn CouryDescriptionJohn, a Syrian [Lebanese] immigrant whose family fled Syria [Lebanon] to escape the Turkish War and persecution of Christians, first settled in Ray, Arizona around 1910 and later moved to Glendale. He graduated from University of Arizona in May 1940. Two weeks later he purchased James Scully’s Quality Market, from his widow, Eva Scully. Here he opened Coury’s Market, which he ran for 21 years. He vividly remembers the rationing and shortages of World War II and his endless efforts to meet the needs of his customers when many things, especially meat, were hard to come by. In this oral history, Mr. Coury takes us on a picture perfect tour of the stores, entertainment and people in Glendale’s early years. You’ll feel like you’re in downtown Glendale when you listen to John surprisingly descriptive and accurate account.SubjectGlendale, AZBasqueSheepherdingFlagstaff, AZDiscriminationGlendale Union High SchoolPhoenix, AZCoury's MarketGrocery BusinessValley National BankLebanese-American CommunityWWIIDate Original1991-08-29Date Range1900s (1900-1909)1910s (1910-1919)1920s (1920-1929)1930s (1930-1939)1940s (1940-1949)TypeTextOriginal FormatTranscriptsLanguageEnglishContributing InstitutionGlendale Public LibraryCollectionListening to Glendale's PastSubcollectionGlendale Arizona Historical Society Oral History ProjectRights StatementFor written permission to use any part of this transcription or oral history contact the Glendale Arizona Historical Society. PO Box 5606. Glendale, AZ 85312-5606
