Chinese Historical Society of America | Summer 2010 | VOL. 46, NO. 1 A Lost & Found Discovery: The Jake Lee Heritage Paintings

Lion Dance, Chinatown by Jake Lee

010 has been a great & exciting the 1888 champion Chinese fire-hose 2year for the Chinese Historical team of Deadwood, South Dakota. Upcoming Events Society of America as we have recov- For many years, these stunning SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2010 at ered a significant piece of our history paintings hung in the private Gum 1:30-4 pm at Center, through 8 long-lost paintings! Shan d i n i n g r o o m o f K a n ’s R e s t au r a n t . San Francisco It all started the Friday before After Johnny Kan’s death in 1972, Angel Island: Immigrant Gateway Presidents’ Day Weekend when the restaurant changed hands, and Book Launch with Authors Erica we received a message that eleven the paintings soon disappeared in Lee & Judy Yung paintings would be at auction in Los subsequent years. TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2010 at Angeles the following Tuesday. These Once we confirmed that these were 5:30 pm at CHSA turned out to be the famous Jake in fact Jake Lee’s paintings up for auc- Water Ghosts Book Reading with Lee paintings that the restaurateur tion, we flew to LA to bid on—and Author Shawna Yang Ryan Johnny Kan commissioned for his won—seven of the eleven paintings! landmark Kan’s Restaurant in the The four remaining Jake Lee paint- SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2010 early 1960s. ings were purchased by a Southern at 1 pm at CHSA Each of these visually stunning collector who has since “Angel Voices” DANCE & POETRY pieces showcases specific aspects and expressed his willingness to be an with Poet/Playwright Genny Lim & milestones in early Chinese American exhibit partner. Dancer Lenora Lee history. The collection includes scenes Then, a day after the auction, we 11 am “The Architecture of San of San Francisco’s Chinatown, rail- learned of the location of the miss- Francisco’s Chinatown” WALKING road-building at Cape Horn, Sonoma ing 12th painting and retrieved it. TOUR by Executive Director Sue Lee wine country, cigar & lantern mak- So within a span of one week, we ing in San Francisco factories, and continued on page 2 Chinese Historical WANTED: Museum & Walking Society of America

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tour Docents, please apply Paul Fong, President Connie Young Yu, 1st Vice President Doug Chan, Esq., 2nd Vice president Linda Cheu, Treasurer Elsie Lam, Secretary Steve Adams Cedric Cheng Barre Fong Cindy Hu Sandy Lee Ty Lim Russell Leong Paul Tsang

Alisa Yee Photo by Don Cheu Brian Yee HSA Artist-in-Residence Charlie enthusiastic about—CHSA Museum’s CChin will offer a three session efforts to inform the general pub- Jeffrey P. Woo, Legal Counsel workshop that will provide train- lic about the history of the Chinese ing for effective CHSA Museum American Community. BOARD EMERITI Docents. The workshop session will be Him Mark Lai (deceased) Workshop topics will include The Saturdays: July 31, August 7 & 14 Philip P. Choy History of Chinatown, San Francisco from 10 am-1 pm at CHSA, 965 Clay and the Basics of Public Speaking. St. Please contact Pam Wong at FOUNDERS This workshop is open to youth and [email protected] to sign up or for Thomas W. Chinn adults who wish to support—and are more information. C.H. Kwock Jake Lee Paintings Found Chingwah lee continued from page 2 H.K. Wong recovered 8 of the 12 long-lost Jake Lee paintings! Kan Thomas W.S. Wu, DDS As a steward of the Chinese Recollections American community narrative, STAFF the Chinese Historical Society of o you have memories or Sue Lee, Executive Director America is extremely proud to have memorabilia from visits to brought these spectacular paintings D Judy Hu, Communications Director Kan’s Restaurant? Ever enjoy back to San Francisco as part of our the cocktail of Almond Eye, or Lenora Lee, Operations Manager collection. spot a celebrity (à la Marilyn The paintings have many stories Michelle Louie, Administrative Monroe and Joe DiMaggio) at Executive to tell, and their potential for exhi- the bar? bition programming is enormous. As Pam Wong, Programs Coordinator we re-introduce them to local audi- Please share your experience Charlie Chin, Artist-in-Residence ences, we know that a much broader with us! Send to Judy Hu at audience will be inspired by them as Francis Wong, Special Projects CHSA, 965 Clay Street, San well. Please stay tuned for exciting Manager Francisco, CA 94108 developments in regards to the Jake Lee Paintings!

Summer 2010 Page 2 OPENING & UNVEILING: Second Saturdays are a hit 010 is a year of new openings! tutionalized, along with its insidious Second Saturday on July 10th also 2Beginning this year, CHSA is effect on American consciousness proved to be very popular. once again opening its museum doors long afterwards. Continuing into the summer, every Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. Yu discussed how anti-Asian poli- August 14th will feature at 1 pm Every Second Saturday of the month, cies became so entrenched that its “Angel Voices” music, poetry, & dance the museum will also feature special injustices and inhumanity were with Poet/Playwright Genny Lim & programming followed by historical hidden in history. But as Yu points Dancer Lenora Lee. “The Architecture walking tours conducted by Artist-in- out, it was people’s activism—from of San Francisco’s Chinatown” Residence Charlie Chin or Executive detainees writing on the walls of the Walking Tour by Executive Director Director Sue Lee. Angel Island barracks to community Sue Lee will precede the performances The Year of the Tiger roared in with protests—that have kept America at 11 am. the grand opening of the new exhibit from forgetting. A portion of the program will fea- “The Architecture of San Francisco’s Yu also discussed her new book, ture “Passages,” the new interdisci- Chinatown” on Saturday, March 6. Patchwork History: The People’s plinary collaborative work between In April, CHSA commemorated the Bicentennial Quilt, which illustrates choreographer/dancer Lenora Lee, anniversary of the April 18, 1906 how Chinese labor on the railroad, media designer Olivia Ting, and com- Earthquake with Artist-in-Residence immigration exclusion, and concen- poser Francis Wong. It is in homage Charlie Chin presenting History tration camps during World War II to Lee’s maternal grandmother, Lee Alive! Hugh Liang: Eyewitness to the are among the “patches” stitched Ping To, who immigrated through 1906 Earthquake & Fire on the Second back into American history, are. the Angel Island Immigration Station Saturday. Following Yu’s successful book in 1940, the year that the Station was Subsequently on May 8th, to com- reading was a record-breaking atten- closed. memorate the anniversary of the dance for a Second Saturday on All presentations on Second May 6, 1882 passage of the Chinese June 12th for the “At Liberty’s Door” Saturdays are free with paid Exclusion Act, CHSA Board Vice exhibit opening, along with a screen- museum admission ($3 for the President Connie Young Yu pre- ing of Freida Lee Mock’s film “Jung general public, free for mem- sented a special program entitled Sai.” A successive screening of the bers) while walking tours are Patchwork History about how the documentary “Carved in Silence” $10 for members, $15 for the Chinese Exclusion Act became insti- with Filmmaker Felicia Lowe for general public. Public Art Proposals for the Chinese Recreation Center on View at CHSA July 21- August 4, 2010 ll members of the public are Ainvited to view the proposals for new public artwork at the New Chinese Recreation Center and pro- vide feedback. These proposals will be on view at CHSA from July 21–August 4, 2010. Three artists/artist teams—Colette Crutcher, Liang Liqing, and Margarita Soyfertis and Vadim Goretsky—were selected by the Chinese Recreation Center Artist Selection Panel (con- vened by the SF Arts Commission) Courtesy of SFAC to create public art proposals for the for viewing during CHSA’s normal sion.org/pubartcollection/ (see the exterior of the new Center. A com- business hours of Tuesday–Friday link under the “Public Meetings” ment book will be located onsite for from 12 noon–5 pm & Saturdays 11 section). Please email comments to visitors to sign. am–4 pm. Proposals are also avail- Eleanor Beaton at eleanor.beaton@ Artist proposals will be available able online at www.sfartscommis- sfgov.org by August 6 at 12 noon.

Summer 2010 Page 3 Detained at Liberty’s Door

Chinese Historical Society of America 965 Clay Street, San Francisco

“Detained at Liberty’s Door” traces the formation of the Angel Island Immigration Station and highlights the inspiring story of Mrs. Lee Yoke Suey, the wife of a native-born citizen, who was detained for more than fifteen months on Angel Island. Only an association with one of California’s most powerful and iconic families secured her freedom.

Passages Dance Mission Theatre The Architecture of 3316 24th Street, San Francisco September 24, 25, & 26 San Francisco’s Chinatown

“Passages” is the new interdisciplinary collaborative Chinese Historical Society of America work between choreographer/dancer Lenora Lee, 965 Clay Street, San Francisco media designer Olivia Ting, and composer Francis Wong. Celebrated poet, playwright, and performer The striking architecture of Chinatown is explored Genny Lim will join in the program with a special from its beginnings in the mid-19th century through reading in our commemoration of the Centennial of the rebuilding following the Great Earthquake & Fire the Angel Island Immigration Station. of 1906 to its presence as one of the country’s most Presented by Asian Improv Arts, in collaboration vibrant and enduring neighborhoods. with the Chinese Historical Society of America Featuring an interactive walking tour map, digital Museum and the Angel Island Immigration images, never-before-seen etchings, and special Station Foundation. objects, the exhibit is a thoughtful exploration into San Francisco’s Chinatown. For more information, please email: [email protected]

Summer 2010 Page 4 Community Hearing on LEgacy donations

Renaming SF Chinatown Library CHSA is grateful to the family and friends after Him Mark Lai of the following indi- viduals who have hon- ored their legacy with donations.

iN MEMORIAM

2009 Dan Chu Chuck Chun Him Mark Lai Paul Louie

2010 John Git Wong P.Q. Chin Tony Fong Loni Ding Yet Tong

We also offer a heartfelt thanks to the Mabel Photo by Leland Wong Yick Louie estate for her bequest to CHSA he San Francisco Library Commission Besides being a historian this year. Theld a community hearing on For many friends and Thursday, July 15th at 4:30 pm about and archivist, Him Mark members, a charitable adding the name of the late historian Lai was a generous and bequest is the easiest Him Mark Lai to the Chinatown branch effective teacher. Virtually and best way to make library. a gift to preserving All attendants were invited to speak. every dissertation and Chinese American his- Each speaker was allowed a maximum of book on Chinese America tory. By means of a will two minutes. Him Mark’s contributions in the past thirty years is or other estate plan, to the library & importance to the com- CHSA can be named munity were highlighted. indebted to Him Mark’s as the beneficiary of a Him Mark Lai, an internationally research, collection portion of an estate, or renowned archivist and historian of materials, or guidance. of particular assets to Chinese America and a highly respected the estate. leader of the community, passed away on in the past thirty years is indebted to These gifts support May 21, 2009. Him Mark’s research, collection mate- the CHSA Museum Besides being a historian and archi- rials, or guidance. For more informa- and archives to help vist, Him Mark Lai was a generous and tion on Him Mark Lai, please visit The preserve our enduring effective teacher. Virtually every dis- Him Mark Lai Digital Archive Project at legacy and invaluable sertation and book on Chinese America http://himmarklai.org/. stories.

Summer 2010 Page 5 Angel Island: Immigrant Asian America Now: Gateway to America Shawna Yang Ryan, Water Ghosts n collaboration with The Fortune Book Launch at Fort Mason IAsia Society & Angel gam- Island Immigration Station bling HSA continues to inscrip- Foundation, CHSA will host parlor; Cmark the centennial t i o n s a reading of Water Ghosts t h e of the Angel Island Im- on the on Tuesday, August 10, third is migration Station opening b a r r a c k 2010 at 5:30 pm. M i n g with a co-sponsorship of walls, the Water Ghosts is set in the Wai, the the book Angel Island: Im- a u t h o r s wake of the Immigration wife he migrant Gateway to America. p r o d u c e Act of 1924, legislation aban- This special reading will a sweep- that barred many Chinese doned in years be held by the Angel Is- ing yet women from joining hus- earlier. land Immigration Station intensely personal history bands who had immi- When a flood threatens to Foundation on Saturday, of Chinese “paper sons,” grated to America in search wash away the entire town, August 7th, 2010 from Japanese picture brides, of work. The absence of the frightening power of 1:30–4:00 pm at Fort Korean students, South women defines life in the strange women will be Mason Center (at Laguna Asian political activists, Locke, California a com- revealed. In Water Ghosts, & Marina Blvd) in Build- Russian and Jewish refu- munity of bachelors where Shawna Yang Ryan tells a ing A, Room, gees, Mexican families, men outnumber women story of a marriage broken San Francisco, CA 94123. Filipino repatriates, and twenty to one and most by separation and betrayal, Reception & booksigning many others from around of the women are white a town brought to its knees will follow a book talk and the world. prostitutes. For this reason, by loneliness and longing, slide show by the authors. Angel Island: Immigrant when a boat bearing three and what happens when a In this landmark Gateway to America is the mysterious and bedraggled Chinese ghost story begins book, historians Erika Lee official publication com- Chinese women arrives to come true. and Judy Yung provide memorating the immigra- one day out of the fog of the the first comprehensive tion station’s 100th anni- Sacramento Delta, suspi- 5:30 pm Registration; history of the Angel Is- versary. A portion of the cion and rumor spread rap- 6-7 pm Program, land Immigration Station. book sales will benefit the idly among the townspeo- reception and book Drawing on extensive new Angel Island Immigration ple of Locke. The women’s signing to follow. research, including immi- Station Foundation. appearance is particularly $5 Asia Society/Co- gration records, oral histo- Please visit www.aiisf.org baffling for Richard Fong, sponsor Members; $10 ries, and newly-discovered for more info. the manager of the Lucky Non-members All That Work and Still No Boys Book Reading by Award-Winning Author Kathryn Ma ow do we survive our exposes the deepest fears transformation, and loss. Hfamily, stay bound to & longings that we mask Kathryn Ma is a native our community, and keep in family life and observes San Franciscan who is from losing ourselves? the long shadows cast by the first Asian American In preparation for history and displacement. author to win the Iowa summer reading, CHSA Ma thoughtfully probes Short Fiction Award. She delightfully hosted local the immigrant experience, has also won the 2008 author Kathryn Ma in most particularly among David Nathan Meyerson presenting her novel All northern California’s Prize; her work has been That Work and Still No Boys Chinese Americans, illu- nominated for a Pushcart on May 18th at 6 pm. minating for us the con- Prize and Best New In it, Kathryn Ma founding nature of duty, American Voices.

Summer 2010 Page 6 CHSA Executive Director National API Historic Preservation Forum Sue Lee is a Local Hero! ver 150 Asian Americans Oand Pacific Islanders hrough her diligent advocacy gathered in San Francisco Tand dedication, CHSA Executive for the National API Historic Director Sue Lee has brought to Preservation Forum on June light untold stories of the Chinese 24–26. American community. In honor of CHSA welcomed the attend- Asian Pacific American Month in ees with a special reception on May, KQED honored Sue Lee as a the forum’s opening night in its Local Hero in 2010! historic Julia Morgan-designed KQED celebrated the richness and Chinatown YWCA building. diversity of the SF Bay Area with a The conference highlighted special lineup of programs. CHSA & issues such as: API preservation S u e w e r e p r o m i n e n t l y f e a t u r e d i n t e l e - as synonymous with promot- vision spots throughout May. Other ing community pride, cultural community leaders honored were: identity, and neighborhood Vane Feuy Chao of Asian Americans Sue became Executive Director vitality; creating opportuni- for Community Involvement; Kennith of CHSA ­in 2004 and is responsible ties for stewards and advocates Lee of Francisco Middle School; and for the stewardship of the Chinese for API heritage resources; Jeff Mori of A sia n A mer ica n Recover y American community narrative increasing capacity and out- Services. through its on-site and traveling reach; putting forward a pan- Sue Lee, a third Sue’s work in the e x h i b i t s , p u b l i c p r o - Asian preservation agenda and generation San grams, publica- an expanded meaning for “his- Franciscan, was community today is tions, and trea- toric preservation” to ensure a born at Chinese driven by an abiding sured collections. place for diverse groups. Hospital and grew desire for Chinese Under her ten- Conference presenters and up in the Richmond ure, CHSA has participants included: Angel District. She gradu- American stories to thrived by expand- Island Immigration Station ated from UC Santa be told in a Chinese ing its audiences Foundation; California Civil Cruz with a B. and collections American voice. Liberties Public Education A. in history and with groundbreak- Program; California Japanese sociology, before returning to SF ing exhibits and innovative programs American Community Leader- to work as a community organizer while pursuing major collabora- ship Council; Chinese Ameri- for the Chinatown Neighborhood tions with organizations such as the can Citizens Alliance; Chinese Improvement Resource Center. , The Oakland American Museum; CHSA; In 1981, Sue began her public ser- Museum of California, The Bancroft El Pueblo de Los Angeles His- vice at as a Library at University of California at torical Monument; Filipino legislative aide to Supervisor Nancy Berkeley, The California Historical American National Historical Walker, then as a specialist on Society, The San Francisco Museum Society; Preservation small business issues under Mayors & Historical Society, The Historical Trust; Japanese American Na- Feinstein and Agnos. Under Mayor Society of the Northern California tional Museum; Japanese Cul- Willie Brown, she was the Director District Court, and many others. tural and Community Center of Economic Development during the Sue’s work in the community of Northern California; Japan- booming tech years and most recently today is driven by an abiding desire town Task Force; Little Manila was a Planning Commissioner for for Chinese American stories to be Foundation; Little Tokyo Ser- 6 years, where she also served as told in a Chinese American voice. vice Center; National Japanese President. In her spare time, Sue She feels that this can only be done American Historical Society; helped create the Richmond District with the confidence provided by rig- , Western Neighborhood Center that is today a orous scholarship and the passion Region; National Trust for His- thriving, multi-purpose, multi-ethnic that comes from an intimate connec- toric Preservation; and Preserv- community center serving youth and tion to the sacrifices and triumphs of ing California’s Japantowns. their families. those who have gone before.

Summer 2010 Page 7 CHSA Partners with USF’s Center for the Pacific Rim arlier this year, CHSA partici- Tuesday, February 23. 2010 Epated in a fruitful partnership Presenting Peter Hessler with USF, Center for the Pacific & Leslie T. Chang Rim for a series of talks & author Author and journalist Peter Hessler presentations: returned to the USF campus to talk about his new book, Country Driving: Thursday, February 18, 2010 A Journey Through China from Farm to China’s Environmental Challenge Factory, together with his wife, fel- by Elizabeth Economy, Ph.D. low author Leslie T. Chang, who will China’s economic growth has discussed her book Factory Girls: From come at a steep price. Levels of air & Village to City in a Changing China. water pollution as well as land deg- radation are among the highest in Tuesday, April 13, 2010 the world. “Splendid Shanghai” China is among the leading con- A Conversation with Dr. Wen- tributors to global climate change, Hsin Yeh, Director of the Institute pollution of the Pacific, and the ille- of East Asian Studies gal timber trade. Can they protect its Dr. Yeh is a renowned historian environment and sustain economic of modern China and her Shanghai growth all at the same time? Splendor is the most important Elizabeth explored these issues and social & cultural study of this grand more in this insightful talk. She is metropolis. the author of The River Runs Black, a In it she captures a dazzling urban C.V. Starr Senior Fellow, and Director kaleidoscope that took the lead in for Asia Studies, Council on Foreign modernizing China. This year’s Relations. “Shanghai Expo” expects to draw Co-sponsored by: CHSA, Asia 70 million visitors, the cost of which Society Northern California, the exceeds what spent on the World Affairs Council of Northern recent Oly mpics. A l l th is had a tumul- California, China Dialogue, and USF tuous past, which Dr. Yeh will share School of Business and Professional as she captures the rise of a maritime Studies. and capitalistic behemoth. Asian Heritage Street Celebration n estimated 100,000 attendees filled the streets Aof San Francisco’s Civic Center and Little Saigon neighborhood for the 6th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration on Saturday May 15, 2010. CHSA was one of more than 160 booths rang- ing from arts and crafts, community, and nonprofits, lining Larkin Street from Grove to Ellis Streets. As a special touch, the CHSA booth displayed the “Miss Chinatown USA: Glamour & Grace” traveling exhibit for the viewing pleasure of fairgoers.

Photo courtesy of CHSA

Summer 2010 Page 8 CHSA Highlights Chinese Films at Two San Francisco Film Festivals

s part of the San Francisco AInternational Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF) in March, CHSA co-presented A Moment in Time where Oscar-winning director Ruby Yang and producer Lambert Yam (ex-owner of the historic World Theatre) explore the evolving role of movie theatres in San Francisco’s Chinatown. From Cantonese opera adaptions to Bruce Lee and Chow Yun Fat movies, Chinatown theatre brought a sense of community—and pride—to multiple generations. During the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival April 22-May 6, CHSA continued support- ing films as a community partner in “A Moment in Time.” Photo courtesy of Center for Asian American Media. presenting four of the more than 100 unique programs of the finest inde- pendent, documentary and interna- tional cinema. The Festival honored film icons including Robert Duvall and Roger Ebert; opened with Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s dazzling caper Micmacs; featured the original score and live performance of Stephin Merritt to the silent epic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; celebrated a comedic legend on Closing Night with the documen- tary Joan Rivers—A Piece of Work, and so much more.

“Last Train Home.” Photo courtesy of San Francisco Film Society. Empire of Silver (Dir. Christina Yao, China, 2009) This lush epic tells a on a grueling holiday journey back to androgynous female detectives. timeless story of love and succession, their rural village—and the resentful as the heir to a banking dynasty in child they left behind-in an intimate Bodyguards and Assassins (Dir. northeastern China is called upon to portrait of modern China. Teddy Chen, Hong Kong/China sacrifice personal happiness to guide co-production, 2009) Centering his family through the tumultuous Vengeance (Dir. Johnnie To, Hong around an assassination attempt on turn of the 20th century. Kong/China/France co-produc- Chinese revolutionary hero Sun Yat- tion, 2009) This French and Hong sen in 1906 Hong Kong, this star- Last Train Home (Dir. Lixin Fan, Kong coproduction offers neo-noir studded epic is a rousing, electrifying Canada/China co-production, fans and newcomers a genre-busting mix of history, revolution and mar- 2009) This visually stunning docu- gem populated by a hit man turned tial arts. The first half is an intricate mentary draws viewers into the lives chef, family men moonlighting as political thriller and the second half of a family of migrant factory workers assassins, and earnestly official, is just plain thrilling.

Summer 2010 Page 9 SF Chinatown Post Office named after Lim Poon Lee: The First Chinese American Postmaster

ollowing the dedi- Fcation ceremony of the post office located at 867 Stockton Street on Saturday, March 14, 2010, many officials and digni- taries including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, former California State Senator John Burton, and Governor of the U.S. Postal Service Thurgood Marshall, Jr. attended the reception that afternoon at CHSA. Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the follow- ing statement following President Obama signing the bill, H.R. 3119 nam- ing the Chinatown Post Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, with Governor of the US Postal Service Thurgood Marshall, Jr., Office in San Francisco addresses an audience at CHSA on behalf of renaming the SF Chinatown Post Office after Lim Poon Lee. after former San Francisco Postmaster Lim Poon Lee: “Dedicating the post office located at 867 Stockton Street in San Francisco’s Chinatown as ‘The Lim Poon Lee Post Office’ is a cause for celebration for the City and County of San Francisco. When appointed Postmaster by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966, Mr. Lee was the first Chinese American Postmaster and the highest federally appointed Chinese American ever in our nation. Mr. Lee ties and disabled postal work- in 1911, Postmaster Lee dedicated his life to public ers to ensure that the post moved to San Francisco service and proud patriotism, office looked like the rest of with his family as an Bottom left: Speaker Pelosi including bravely serving our our city in terms of its great infant. After serving as a engages the crowd following country in World War II. diversity. Lim Poon Lee estab- U.S. Army counterintel- the ceremony. “In San Francisco, we know lished this Chinatown post ligence specialist during Bottom right: The April 3, that the beauty is in the mix, office in 1977, and in a - fit World War II, he attended 1966 edition of Chinatown and Postmaster Lee enriched ting tribute to a remarkable the College of the Pacific News featured Postmaster Lim our city and transformed San Franciscan that we now and the Lincoln University Poon Lee on its cover. the face of the San Francisco honor his life and achieve- Law School. Postmaster postal system by increasing ments dedicating it to him.” Lee passed away at the age Photos by Judy Hu. the hiring of women, minori- Born in Hong Kong of 91 in 2002.

Summer 2010 Page 10 Hakone’s Year of the Tiger Celebration: A Cultural, Historical, & Musical Legacy celebrating the Lunar New Year!

he beautiful Hakone Estate T& Gardens in Saratoga was once again the scene of a spe- cial afternoon of entertainment and merriment on Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 12 noon to 4 pm. The second annual gathering was co-presented by CHSA and supported by the US Chinese Women Cultural Organization, Swinging Chinatown: Chi Am Circle Club, and the Chinese Women’s Club of The Golden Age of Chinese Nightclubs Santa Clara Valley. Entertainment for the gath- he San Francisco Museum and scene’s heyday in the 1930s & 40s. ering included: Charlie Chin, THistorical Society, in collabora- The exhibit’s opening gala was Story-telling & Chinese in- tion with CHSA, presented a glam- on Thursday, February 11, 2010. It strumental performances, orous new exhibit in February at was a festive affair with Ben Fong- Lion dancing & Chinese the beautiful & historical Old Mint Torres as master of ceremonies and Opera & Tai Chi Master, Building. a performance by the “Grant Avenue Lunar Customs & Flower Ar- This rare exhibit featured vintage Follies”—a glorious troupe of former ranging, Cooking Demonstra- photos, costumes, & memorabilia nightclub dancers that stunned the tion, & Lunar NY refreshments, of the Chinese American nightclub delighted crowd! Tour of Hakone Gardens

Angel Island Passages by San Francisco Girls Chorus HSA co-presented the The new work commem- Cfive-time Grammy orates the 100th anni- Award-winning San Fran- versary of Angel Island cisco Girls Chorus in the Immigration Station, world premiere of Angel known as “the Ellis Island Island Passages, a multi- of the West,” and evokes media work by composer the experiences of Chinese Chen Yi in collaboration immigrants in music, with the Cypress String ancient and contempo- Quartet and award-win- rary poetry, film, video ning Bay Area film maker and photography. Also on Felicia Lowe, in two per- the program, entitled “A formances Friday and Sat- New Land, A New Song,” urday, June 4 and 5, at 8 were works by Stravinsky, pm at the San Francisco Dvorak and others. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Girls Chorus Conservatory of Music.

Summer 2010 Page 11 The CHSA Bulletin is published multiple times throughout the year. To contribute articles about Chinese American community and historical news and events, please submit articles to [email protected]. Writer & Editor: Judy Hu || Design: Amy Lam

Nonprofit Org.

CHINESE HISTORICAL U.S. Postage SOCIETY OF AMERICA PA ID 965 CLAY STREET Permit No. 9103 SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco, CA

CALIFORNIA 94108

415 391-1188 TEL

415 391-1150 FAX

[email protected] EMAIL

WWW. CHSA.ORG WEBSITE

TIME DATED MATERIAL

Saturday, September 11 6 PM Reception & Silent Auction 7 PM Dinner

Four Seasons Hotel 757 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94103

Black-Tie optional

For More Information please call 415.391.1188 x101 or email [email protected]

Master of Ceremonies Honoring Bevan Dufty, member, san francisco board of supervisors Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation (AIISF) Featuring & Angel Island Immigration Station Historical The Paintings of Jake Lee Advisory Committee (AIISHAC) Special Exhibit: “Detained at Liberty’s Door”