THE LEBANESE ON PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - CANADA The first recording of the Lebanese on the Island is 1888. Since then the numbers have grown steadily until today they have become an integral and important part of the social, economic and political landscape of the Island. Most of them came from Kfeir and other small communities of . There are so many Lebanese from Kfeir in , that they have had an annual Kfeirian reunion since 1931. Lebanon is about one third larger than Prince Edward Island and has a population of approximately three million. It is estimated that there are over thirteen million Lebanese throughout the world. About two thirds of the population of Lebanon live in rural areas and make their living from the land. The early settlers on the Island were from the rural areas, so in that respect they were accustomed to hard work as the early Islanders were. Lebanon was formerly known as Phoenicia. They were great traders throughout the Mediterranean and traveled as far as Cornwall in England in search of copper and iron ore. Trading posts were established, some of which eventually grew up into great cities. Beirut is the largest city and is often referred to as the gateway and of the Middle East. The climate and beauty of the land impress those who visit Lebanon. So why would anyone want to leave the country? Around 1850, when the Ottoman Turks gained control over Lebanon, living conditions became unbearable for many and the Lebanese people became prisoners in their own homeland. There was no religious freedom, men were separated from their families, forced to join the army and food was very scarce. These years witnessed the beginning of a great out-migration of people, which continued, especially during times of crisis, right up to the present time. The two main points of entry into Canada were Quebec and . After World War One, Lebanon became a French mandate and many people spoke French fluently. So Montreal would have been a natural destination. Those who came through the port of likely started off as peddlers selling their wares throughout Nova Scotia , New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island and eventually setting up their own businesses. Most that came to the Island settled in Charlottetown but a few like the Sharbells and Shelfoons, operated out of Portage and Tignish , and the Solomons settled in Georgetown . Most of the Lebanese that came to the Prince Edward Island had limited education, few if any trade skills and could not speak English, but they seemed to have a good business sense and strong work ethics. Peddling became a natural occupation until they were able to start their own business. Thomas Michael one of the early peddlers is believed to be the peddler referred to in the famous Anne of green Gables story. Mary Lubra Marji was one of the few women peddlers who used to cover the Montague area. The first generation started off as peddlers, not only on the Island but, all over and other parts of the world. Many of the second and third generation went on to different professional careers. Some of the more famous personalities include Paul 100