Bulletin CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA | MARCH APRIL 2007 | VOL. 43, NO. 1

March/April 2007 Glamour, Glitz, and Glitter CALENDAR OF CHSA EVENTS & EXHIBITS Reign in Miss Chinatown USA

CHSA co-presents the following films at the annual Asian American International Film Festival at the Castro Theatre: Hollywood Chinese (3/18, 6 pm), Flower Drum Song (3/17, 9 pm), Pavement Butterfly (3/18, 12:30 pm), and Big Trouble in Little China (3/16, 10 pm).

April 26 Author and Chinatown native William Poy Lee, will read from his new memoir The Eighth Promise. CHSA, 7 pm.

April 28 The world premiere of composer Jon Jang’s Chinese American Symphony, a tribute to the Chinese builders of the transcontinental rail- road, will take place at the Sacramento Philharmonic (www.sacphil.org), 8 pm

May 2 CHSA is proud to partner with KQED on he reception in celebration of our Miss Chinatown USA their Documenting China exhibition and pro- new exhibit Miss Chinatown USA 2007 court and T contestants present Sue grams. Opening reception at Koret was a glamorous and grand affair. On the Auditorium, 5-7:30 pm. Lee, CHSA Executive evening of Friday, Febraury 23, past & Director, with a special commemorative plaque. May 9 present contestants gathered at CHSA Remembering 1882 will honor the events including: Penny Lee Wong, Miss Chinatown 1948; Ruby and history of the 125th anniversary of the 1882 Exclusion Act. Philip Burton Federal Kwong Chee, Miss Chinatown 1957; June Gong Chin, Miss Building (450 Golden Gate, SF), 4-6 pm Chinatown USA 1958; Leona Lee, Miss Chinatown USA 1959; Linda Shen Lei, Miss Chinatown USA 1971; Sandra Wong May 18 Dietrich, Miss Chinatown USA 1973; Rose Chung, Miss Tribute to UC Berkeley Professor Emeritus Ling-chi Wang, recognized in Amerasia Chinatown USA 1981; Sandra Young Chew, Miss Chinatown Journal’s newly published L. Ling-chi Wang: The USA 1983; Ivy Hsu, Miss Chinatown USA 1994; Lori Young Quintessential Scholar-Activist. Co-sponsored by Timmons, Miss Chinatown USA 1997; and Carol Chen, Miss the UCLA Asian American Studies Center. Chinatown USA 2005. Many pageant organizers, contestants, CHSA, 6-8 pm escorts, and volunteers were also present. Exhibit The event was co-sponsored by the SF Chinese Chamber Miss Chinatown USA now through June 30, of Commerce, Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern Philip P. Choy Gallery. California, and United Chinese Society of Hawaii. Thanks to Alice Fong: A Retrospective, now though Hukilau, Poleng Lounge, See more photos from summer, Frank H. Yick Gallery. Butterfly, and Takara Sake USA the Miss Chinatown for their food and beverage All CHSA events are free to USA reception and the public donations. e exhibit on pages 4 & 5. For more info, call (415) 391-1188 or visit www.chsa.org Annual Meeting & Volunteer CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA Appreciation Luncheon

BOARD OFFICERS Calvin Fung, President Robert Fung, 1st Vice President Willard Chin, Secretary Paul Fong, Treasurer

BOARD DIRECTORS Donald Chan Joyce M. Chan Linda A. Cheu Colleen Fong, Ph.D. Frank Jang he 20th anniversary of the seminal journal Annie Soo Spirit Award Agnes Lam winners Judy Yung, T Chinese America: History and Perspectives was at Ruthanne Lum McCunn, Alexander Lock the center of CHSA’s Annual Meeting & Volunteer and Him Mark Lai with Kenneth Louie Appreciation Luncheon on Saturday, January 20 at CHSA Executive Director Galin Luk Sue Lee and Board the Empress of China. The newly renamed Annie President Calvin Fung. William G. Roop Soo Spirit Award, given to CHSA’s unsung volun- Photo by Donald Chu. Connie Young Yu teers, was bestowed upon Ruthanne Lum McCunn, Judy Yung, and Him Jeffery P. Woo, Esq., Legal Counsel Mark Lai for their years of work on the publication. Charlie Chin per- formed tongue-in-cheek poetry written to honor the three awardees. BOARD EMERITI This year’s Chinese America: History and Perspectives features the proceedings Him Mark Lai from the October 2005 Chinese American Studies conference. If you have Philip P. Choy not yet received yours, please contact the CHSA office at (415) 391-1188. e

FOUNDERS Thomas W. Chinn C.H. Kwock Honoring Alice Fong Chingwah Lee riends, family, and H.K. Wong F supporters feted Thomas W.S. Wu, D.D.S. acclaimed artist Alice

STAFF Fong during a reception Sue Lee, Executive Director celebrating her solo Judy Hu, Communications Manager exhibit, Alice Fong: A Retrospective, at CHSA Lianna Koehler, Weekend Supervisor on February 3. Presented Marisa Louie, Exhibitions Coordinator luminously in varying Anna Naruta, Ph.D., Director of Collections media—from prints, paintings, sculpture, Russell Ow, Bookkeeper watercolors, oils, and Candace Tom, Operations Administrator acrylics—Alice's collection celebrates nature, Alice Fong’s grandsons, Alex Charlie Chin, Artist-in-Residence family, and Chinese American cultural and Derek, the artist Alice Fong, and daughter and traditions. It is on display in the Frank H. CHSA board member Colleen Yick gallery now through summer 2007. e Fong. Photo by Frank Jang.

CHSA BULLETIN n PAGE 2 Honoring Ling-chi Wang, Reading with Quintessential Scholar-Activist William Poy Lee: May 18, 6-8 pm, CHSA Museum The Eighth Promise

Ling-chi bilingual and higher education, April 26, 7-8 pm CHSA Learning Center L.Wang: The Chinatown politics, and U.S./China Quintessential relations have actively shaped the n The Eighth Promise, author Scholar-Activist, is domestic and global frameworks in IWilliam Poy Lee provides a rare a commemorative the field of Asian American Studies. glimpse of the Chinese-American edition from For the future, they will continue to immigrant experience from a moth- UCLA’s Amerasia Journal and the first have great relevance to the rela- er-son perspec- collection of essays from the former tionship of Asian Americans to tive. This affect- Chair of UC Berkeley’s Department American society and to Asia while ing tale criss- of Ethnic Studies and Director of serving as essential readings for crosses both time Asian American Studies. Professor educational research, transnational and place from Wang’s groundbreaking writings on studies, and historiography. e his mother’s war torn childhood in Chinatown in Miniature China during the 1930s to the HSA is proud to pre- housing projects sent historical ren- C of San Francisco’s Chinatown to derings by renowned the counterculture of North Beach Hollywood set designer in the 1960s. Exuberant and and Chinatown native sprawling, The Eighth Promise is told Frank Wong. Through the in two voices: the author’s own design and furnishing of and that of his mother. The moth- detailed miniature rooms, er’s perspective provides a sense Wong offers meaningful, of tradition and culture as the first-hand interpretations author becomes completely of San Francisco China- American—only to realize that his town’s past and the lives of its people. Works on display include: scenes simple Toisan farmer mother has from a Chinese laundry, a single occupancy room in the International been his greatest wisdom teacher. Hotel, and an herb store on Clay Street. Six miniatures are now perma- It is a stunning tale of injustice, for- nently installed in the CHSA Wells Fargo Foundation Learning Center. titude, survival, and ultimately Please inquire at the front desk to see them. e redemption. e Red Envelopes: Lai Si and Hong Bao Reception rtist-in-Resident Charlie Chin rung in Lunar New A Year at CHSA for several dozen young children and their parents on February 10. The attendees were treated to storytelling, Chinese folktales, and a glimpse of Charlie's Charlie Chin shows personal collection of vintage red vintage red envelopes envelopes. Every child also received an to young attendees. Photo by Frank Jang authentic red envelope for good luck! e

MARCH APRIL 2007 n PAGE 3 Miss Chinatown USA Reception & Exhibit

PHOTOS BY FRANK JANG

Miss Chinatown Then & Now: Rose Chung, Miss Chinatown 1981, poses next to a shot of her crowning glory. Photo by Calvin Jeng.

Miss Chinatown USA 1958 June Gong Chin, Miss Chinatown USA 2005 (and the currently reigning Miss San Francisco) Carol Chen, and Miss Chinatown 1948 Penny Lee Wong.

Miss Chinatown USA escort Jean Moon Liu, daughter of 1915 Benji Wong and 1969 contestant Chinatown Queen Rose Lew, and Rose Melanie Feng Kolda. Lew’s granddaughter, Roxine Chow. Felicia Lowe, Miss Congeniality 1965, with the beaded cheong saam she wore on parade night.

Cindy Hu and guest, Darryl Higashi, and Daniel and Vyolet Chu dance to the music of Da Castillo Boys at the end of a festive evening.

CHSA BULLETIN n PAGE 4 Miss Chinatown USA 1971 Linda Shen Lei, Miss Chinatown USA 1958 June Gong Chin, CHSA member Sarah Choy, Amy Tan, 1959 contestant Patricia Hew Lee, 1969 contestant Linda Lew Woo, and Rosalind Jeong.

1969 contestant Stephanie Lum Castor Exhibit volunteer Carolyn Shek (2nd from left) and Miss points to herself in the exhibit. Chinatown USA 1994 Ivy Hsu, with friends.

A Very Piggy New Year! appy Year of the Boar! The (left) Bill Lee, his wife H Carolyn, Mary Ellen Lunar New Year O’Brien, Doug Chan, event sponsored by and Ditka Reiner ring PG&E at CHSA on in the year. February 26, 2007 (below) Greg Chew of was a smashing suc- Dae Advertising with cess! Despite the CHSA’s Sue Lee. rain and hail, more than 300 people filled the museum, enjoying wine & hors d’eurves while mingling the night away. Attendees included San Francisco Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Ed Jew, District Attorney Kamala Harris, as well as friends

of PG&E, CHSA members, and community folks. e

MARCH APRIL 2007 n PAGE 5 Accessioned Donations October 12 to December 4, 2006

SUBMITTED BY ANNA NARUTA, DIRECTOR OF COLLECTIONS

Dong Kingman fills San Francisco’s Chinatown with dragons in this watercolor for a Pan Am Airlines menu. Gift of Alex Lock, 2006.59

Karen Jue Iovino, Calvin Jue & Alex Lock: Pan Am Airlines menu Gail Garcia (via Frank Jang): featuring Dong Kingman watercolor More than 600 photos by Harry of San Francisco Chinatown New Jew, depicting the Miss Chinatown Year’s parade, Grant and California. Pageant, San Francisco Chinatown, Julian Low & Elaine Joe: Four Angel Island, Locke, and albums—Chris Iijima and Charlie other historically significant Chin, Back to Back (1982, East/West scenes. WORLD Record); Jon Jang, Are You Francis Wong: Copy of Oct Chinese or Charlie Chan? (1984, RPM 23, 2006 Chicago Tribune Records); Jon Jang, The Ballad or the review of 11th annual Asian Bullet? (1987, AsianImprov American Jazz Festival Finale. Records), inscribed to the donor; Fred Houn, A Song for Manong—The Anonymous: State of soundtrack to Part 3 of Bamboo that California certificate of Snaps Back Featuring The Asian incorporation for “Sai Gar American Art Ensemble and Kulintang Jeong Yee” Benevolent Asso- Arts (1988, AsianImprov Records) ciation [Chung Yee Association], dated August Him Mark Lai: Donor’s summary of 22, 1907, headquartered at interviews with members of and 37 Spofford Alley, San research on the Jeong Yee Jon Jang appears on Francisco, in original frame. Association (Chung Yee The Ballad or the Association), 37 Spofford Alley, Bullet? (1987, Connie Young Yu: Digital video San Francisco, and the Garment AsianImprov Records). cassette copy of Jung Sai—Chinese Workers Guild, Jinyihang (Gam Yee Gift of Julian Low and Americans, Sanders & Mock Elaine Joe, 2006.60.3 Hong), of San Francisco. Productions, American Film Foundation, 1977; DVD copy of Connie Young Yu: San Francisco Women Warriors, composed of Examiner, May 10, 1969, page 15, Making Up, Chonk Moonhunter “The Golden Spike’s unsung Productions, 1974, and The Year of Heroes” by Connie Young Yu; Fall the Ox: The 1973 Chinatown Livestock 1972 Bulletin of Concerned Asian Show, 1985. Scholars, Special Issue: Asian America;

CHSA BULLETIN n PAGE 6 Scan of Kem Lee photo of Cathay Paul Louie: Seattle Times Post American Veterans of the article of Nov 5, 2006, on Foreign Legion parade in San Wing Luke Asian Francisco Chinatown; Four post- Museum’s salvage- cards of the paintings at Kan’s attentive renovation of Restaurant painted by Jake Lee in the East Kong Yick 1963 to educate about and building, where donor celebrate Chinese American history grew up, in Seattle’s and culture; Postcard of rubbing of Chinatown; Northwest poem carved into wall of detention Asian Weekly article, barracks at Angel Island “[Seattle] Chinatown gate Immigration Station; Copy of 1948 project delayed.” Chinese Press article, “Chinese Anonymous: Hip Wo Mourn Death of Historian William Chinese School yearbook J. Hoy;” Copy of East West July 11, and commemorative 1967, pages 1-2; Bound volume of album, 1924-1960. Harper’s, December 1882–May 1883; Exhibit catalog and brochure from Charlie Chin: Souvenir 2005 and 2006 New York and Program for “Pear Garden With a photographic career spanning four German gallery shows by Marlene in the West,” June 14-17, 1984, The decades, Harry Jew captured images of historic Tseng Yu; four black and white First San Francisco Chinese events, family and individual portraits, and photos, late 1910s–early 1920s American Performing Arts Festival. scenes of everyday community life. Harry Jew Chicago: Tuen Hip Wey Association Collection, Gift of Karen Jue Iovino, Calvin Jue, DONATION TO THE and Gail Garcia, 2006.54.450 on first (1919) and third TEACHING COLLECTION anniversary; 1921 group portrait outside Mon Sang & Co. Judith Wilkes: Sheet music Ching In Memory of Ruby Tom Joe: Copy Chong (Chicago, Pioneering aviator of collection of newspaper Tom Gunn’s 1912 1917), music by Aero Club License clippings about Tom Gunn that Lee S. Roberts, list his residence, includes both primary source and words by J. Will 358 Fifth Street, subsequent historical features, a Callahan. Oakland. copy of Willie L. Nye’s biographical Anonymous Gift, resume of Tom Gunn for a KRON- 2006.63 TV project, 1971, a copy of the Smithsonian Institution material on Tom Gunn, 1989, and photo and Request for Donations paperwork relating to 1973-1974 HSA is currently reorganizing its collections and is looking for exhibit CHSA and CCF exhibit for the following equipment: which Tom Gunn items were C Map drawers borrowed from the family. r r Metal storage cabinets Anonymous: Digital images of Tom r High resolution flatbed scanner Gunn collection items held by r Fireproof filing cabinet family members; including r Camera tripod with swivel head newspaper articles, photos, badges Photocopy machine with pdf scanning capability and identification, and personal r remembrances of pioneering Please contact Anna Naruta at (415) 391-1188, x103 or aviator and native San Franciscan [email protected] with inquiries about potential equipment Tom Gunn, 1890-1925; authorized donations. Thank you! e for donation to CHSA.

MARCH APRIL 2007 n PAGE 7 Transitions HSA welcomes Judy Hu on board as their C new Communications Manager. Her responsibilities include media and public rela- tions, community outreach, marketing, and programming. Judy has worked the past few years in public relations at a local, alternative publishing house. She has also been actively involved in the community with many local groups and political campaigns. Beginning with this issue, she is also the new editor of CHSA’s Bulletin newsletter. Judy can be reached at (415)

391-1188, x107 or [email protected]. e

In Memorium Visiting the Museum? HSA notes the passing of Alice Lee, a HSA can provide pre-arranged exhibit tours to C longtime member, volunteer, and support- C groups of 10 or more. Make reservations by er on January 6, 2007. We also honor the mem- calling (415) 391-1188, x101 or by emailing ory of Chaney N. Wong, the former Executive [email protected]. e Vice President of Trader Vic’s Restaurants, who

died on January 4, 2007. e

The CHSA Bulletin is published bi-monthly. To contribute articles about Chinese American community and historical news and events, please submit articles to [email protected]. Editor: Judy Hu || Design: Elaine Joe

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