Historic Hood River
Kam Wah Chung
Notes
I recently visited the Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site in John Day. Given how many people look at me blankly when I mention that fact, I thought I would include a post to raise the familiarity with this important part of Oregon History.
Kam Wah Chung was a market/ apothecary/ community center for the Chinese community in John Day, which in its heyday was one of the largest Chinatowns in the United States. It was the result of a partnership between the merchant Lung On and physician Ing Hay. Rather than telling the whole story here, I’ll link to a great post in The Oregon Encyclopedia. If you have a little more time I recommend viewing OPB’s Oregon Experience video on the subject. And if you find yourself near John Day, I highly recommend leaving some time for the ranger-guided tour offered by Oregon State Parks.
L.E.
What a coincidence! I just listened to an “Offbeat Oregon History” podcast about Doc Hay and Lung On.
I am glad you visited the Site. It is on my bucket list.
http://offbeatoregon.com/1406d.doc-hay-lung-on.html
Will
I echo Arthur – this site is not to be missed.
nels
Went there in 1969. The door was unlocked and you just walked in. Small bottles and accessories were around as if they just walked out. The community
must have trusted people stopping by. Now it is an escorted tour.
Kyle
We toured it about 4 years ago, and were astounded by it. Agreed – it is amazing and not to be missed.