Many of us are familiar with and fond of the home of Kharkiv industrialist Boris Vladimirovich Shapar, located on Kontorska Street.

Very often, tour guides, local historians, and all sorts of so-called “experts” will say things like:

“…Boris Shapir founded…”
“Shapir himself lived in the house…”
“for the Belgian industrialist Shapir…”
“Shapir is known…”

However, just imagine how surprised all those know-it-alls in Kharkiv—who so readily draw information from the internet—would be if they had taken even a little time to consult, for example, publications from before 1917.
After all, in a magnificent book from 1913 containing numerous biographies of famous people of that time— “Jubilee Historical and Artistic Publication in Commemoration of the 300th Anniversary of the Reign of the Romanov Dynasty”—we find the following intriguing material:

B.V. Shapara

Boris Vladimirovich Shapara, owner of a well-equipped metalworks in Kharkiv, was born in 1886 in Vienna and received his early education there. Boris Vladimirovich gained practical experience working in German factories in his field, after which he moved to Kharkiv, where he opened his own factory in 1886, which manufactures: machinery for tanneries, metal mesh, nails, shovels, wire, and so on. The factory enjoys an excellent reputation among its numerous customers, and it has gained enviable popularity among the local peasants, whom Boris Vladimirovich trained in this new trade. Office: Kharkiv, Ekaternosl St., 18.

Thus, we come to understand that the surname “Shapara” does not decline in any way. The phrases “Boris Vladimirovich Shapara’s house” and “Shapara himself lived in the house…” will sound exactly the same!

So the next time you read or hear someone say something like, “I know Kharkiv!” don’t be afraid to ask, “Based on what?” Otherwise, you risk getting information that isn’t true—just “Shapar” ))