Chinatown History and a War Veteran

As I played tourist in Chinatown...I was happy to see an "Open" sign at the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California...here is what I learned and who I met...

Since the 1850s, Chinese Americans have contributed to the historical growth and development of Southern California's life and culture.

The Chinese Historical Society of Southern
California (CHSSC) was organized November 1, 1975 and incorporated in the State of California in 1976 (they year I happened to be born - go Dragons!)

The Chinese Historical Society of Southern California was established to discover and recognize Chinese pioneers and their history. They strive to increase awareness of Chinese American heritage through public programs, education and research...good stuff!

They offer a variety of educational and fun activities through monthly program meetings, which are free and open to all. They work with colleges, universities, other historical societies and local community groups.

The support of individuals and businesses through tax-deductible donations, memberships and volunteering is crucial to our plans to develop a Chinese Cultural Heritage Center.

Ben Fong was born in Sacramento in 1921 and moved with his family to the East Adams District a decade later. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Ben decided to join the United States Marine Corps but was refused due to the color of the skin. Ben was later drafted in the Army and stubborn and persistent as he was, became a Military Intelligence expert. For Fong, as well as for many other Chinese Americans, the war was indispensable in solidifying the inclusion of Chinese into the larger American narrative.

Now retired, Ben Fong has moved back to Chinatown after getting tired of driving back and forth from the San Gabriel Valley to visit the newly opened Chinatown Public Library, which hosts one of the largest collections of books in Chinese in the country.

Among the many interesting things I learned, Ben shared this timeline with me, letting me know Chinese came over on Spanish ships back when LA was just discovered...

1769
Spanish explorers under Gaspar de Portola enter the area that is now Los Angeles on their way northward.

1781
El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles is founded by Felipe Neve.

1848
The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill starts the California gold rush. This brings many people from all over the world including Chinese.

1850
On September 9, California gains statehood. The first U.S. Census taken after California's admission into the union shows 2 Chinese house servants listed as residents of Los Angeles: Ah Fou and Ah Luce.

1854
California Supreme Court includes Chinese among racial classes prohibited from testifying against whites.

1859
Arrival of first Chinese woman to the United States. Chinese fishermen become established off Catalina Island.

Is there a Chinatown where you live?