JOIN US IN A CELEBRATION OF HISTORY & CULTURE
Experience the richness of our transpacific North American heritage
JOIN US IN A CELEBRATION OF HISTORY & CULTURE
Experience the richness of our transpacific North American heritage
OUR HISTORY
The People of the Tang
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907CE), people from Henan and Fujian Provinces migrated south into the Lingnan region (岭南); to areas in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and Northern Vietnam. Over the millennia these people mixed with the Indigenous Yue tribes; and formed the Yue Chinese - 粤语 (yuè yǔ) over which there are more than over 50 languages/dialects) and their descendants referred to themselves as 'TONG YEN' which literally means "People of Tang”. The name for Chinatown was 'TONG YEN GAI' (唐人街) which translated literally as "Street of the Tang People" (唐人). The term Cantonese can broadly refer to any Han Chinese people originating from or residing in the provinces of Guangdong and Guangxi and may include Taishanese, Hainanese, Hakkas* and Xinhuinese, Chaoshanese (Teochews) and in Vietnam the Hoa people. In linguistic terms 'Cantonese' specifically applies to the dialect common to the Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou (Canton) and the adjacent 'Three Counties' (SAM YUP - 三邑) of Nanhai, Panyu and Shunde. People from the 'Four Counties' (SEE YUP - 四邑) spoke a separate dialect, Pearl River "Delta Cantonese". The See Yup (Four Counties) included Taishan (TOY SAN), Xin Hui (SUN WOY), Kaiping (HOI PING) and Enping (YAN PING). The See Yup people lived in a mountainous region with limited agricultural production and fewer job opportunities. This forced more of the See Yup people abroad in search of work. The Sam Yup (三邑) people lived in an area with rich agricultural lands; and they owned the majority of the companies that hired the workforce.
“Gong-gong (Grandfather) had his round watch on a chain in his pocket, unlike all the other watches I knew, which were worn on the wrist. When he spoke, I never knew what he was saying in his See Yup dialect, because I only knew Cantonese. But this was oblivious to him. He talked at me and my brothers as if we did know what he was saying, expecting us to be obedient.” [1]
Xinhui, Guangdong spoke a dialect of Cantonese, distinct from Mandarin or other Chinese dialects. Xinhui is known as one of the largest representative districts of overseas Chinese, with a large number of migrants from the area speaking Cantonese as their first language. During the trans-pacific migrations the Cantonese speaking Sam Yups were a minority; and Taishanese and Xuihuinese dialects were became the dominant dialects of the early Chinatowns in North America. The See Yup and Sam Yap dialects are not mutually intelligible with Mandarin, or each other. While varieties of Mandarin were also spoken, a single standard Mandarin did not yet exist,
NOTE: The Tong Yen - Cantonese connection to the Tang Dynasty is exemplified in the classical poetry of period, which is written in "Middle Chinese", and rhymes best when spoken in Han-Yue languages such as Cantonese, rather than in Mandarin. This is because Han-Yue languages retain many tonal features of Middle Chinese, reflecting their Tang ancestry; while Mandarin Chinese is based on the tongue of the North China Plains, [2]; and established after the fall of the Tang; and during the occupations of the Jin (1115–1234); Yuan/Mongols (1271–1368); and Qing (1889–1912).
The transpacific migration of the Cantonese was a complex and muti-faceted process driven by the socio-economic and political upheaval the First Anglo-Sino Opium War (1839-1842); which contributed to the Tai Ping Civil War (1850-1864) [1] and subsequent conflicts including the Red Turban Rebellion (1854–1856); Punti-Hakka Clan Wars (1855–1868); The Second Anglo-Sino Opium War (1856 to 1860); Panthay Rebellion (1872-1873); French-Viet War (1858–1885), French-Sino War (1884-1885) and the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1900).
*Hakka and Teochew/Chaosanpeople have a distinct identity from the Cantonese people; but as 60% of the Hakkas in China reside in Guangdong province, and 95% of overseas Hakkas ancestral homes are in Guangdong; are broadly grouped as Cantonese. Hakkas from Chaoshan, Guangzhou, and Fujian may only self-identify as Chaoshanese, Cantonese, Hokkien.
SCOTT NORRIS | NOVEMBER 12, 2020
How Many Dialects Are There in Chinese? The Ultimate Breakdown yoyochinese.com
Snow, Donald B. (2004). Cantonese as Written Language: The Growth of a Written Chinese Vernacular. Hong Kong University Press. p. 48. ISBN 9789622097094. Archived from the original on 2016-04-24. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
[1] Wai, H. (2006). “Three Voices: A Wong Family Album” in Finding Memories Tracing Routes - Chinese Canadian Family Stories.
B.L. Worral ed. Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC.
[2] Newman, J. and Raman, A. V. (1999), Chinese historical phonology: Compendium of Beijing & Cantonese pronunciations of characters and their derivations from Middle Chinese, LINCOM studies in Asian linguistics, 27, Munich: LINCOM Europa, ISBN 3-89586-543-5.
IMAGE (above): The Guangzhou Chen Clan Ancestral Hall (1894) home of the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, exemplifies traditional Lingnan architecture.
xIN hUI - SUNFLOWER COUNTRY
Sunflower Country
The county of Xinhui (SUN WOY) was also known as Kuixiang, meaning "Sunflower Country" and was located on the Tian Jiang River in modern day Jiangmen (KONG MOON ), Guangdong. Since the 1850's more than 600,000 people from Xinhui have migrated overseas (mostly to the Americas, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong); making Xinhui one of the largest representations of the early overseas Chinese.
The Merchants of Sunflower Country
Wong Chung village is the ancestral home of the mercantile Wong Clan. of Xinhui (SUN WOY) county. It is located on the east bank of the Tian Jiang River in coastal Jiangmen (KONG MOON), Guangdong (CANTON). During the Red Turban Rebellion (1854-1854), Wongs from Xinhui had been strong supporters of the Tiandihui (Heaven & Earth Society). When the Red Turban army failed to capture Guangzhou they withdrew into Guangxi province and proclaimed the Dacheng Kingdom; others joined the Tai Pings and Shi Dakai in Henan. In the wake of the rebellion over one million people from Guangdong were sentenced to death and executed by the Qing. Many Wongs would flee overseas; and the clan would grow to form one of the largest families in North America.
[1] Hsu, Madeline Y. (2000). Dreaming of Gold, Dreaming of Home: Transnationalism and Migration Between the United States and South China, 1882–1943. Stanford University Press. p. 26. ISBN 9780804746878.
The Red Turban Rebellion of 1854–1856 was a rebellion by members of the Tiandihui (Chinese: 天地會, Heaven and Earth Society).
The Red Turban Rebellion of 1854–1856 was a rebellion by members of the Tiandihui (Chinese: 天地會, Heaven and Earth Society)
The Punti Hakka Wars (1855 and 1867).
The Punti–Hakka Clan Wars (1855-1867) was a conflict between the Cantonese Punti (本地) natives and the Hakka (客家) guest families who has settled the region in the 1660s, after the end of the great coastal
clearances. The wars began immediately following the end of the Red Turban Rebellion. The wars were fiercest around the Pearl River Delta, especially in Taishan of the See Yup counties. The wars resulted in roughly a million dead with many more displaced civilians.
Jon Y 2021. The Devastating Legacy of the Hakka-Punti Clan Wars
The Asianometry NewsletterFeb 14, 2021
GOLD MOUNTAIN
GUM SAN (Gold Mountain)
During the mid-19th century, the people of the Tang would endure a second great migration; this time across the Pacific to Gold Mountain (GUM SAN, 金山). Gold discoveries in California (1848); Southern Australia (1851) and in Western Canada (1858). The dire situation in China would lead many people from Guangdong to enter indentured service contracts; often under harsh conditions. [2] Others used the "credit-ticket" system, in which their travel expenses were paid upfront, but they had to repay these debts after arriving at their destination. [3] These 'sojourners of circumstance' intended to work for a set period, earn money, and at the end return home to their families with enough capital to buy land, marry and have children; however, some stayed and settled. During the 1850s and early 1860s inexpensive reliable Cantonese labor was welcomed by the west. “It was Chinese labor which contributed to the miracle of the trans-continental railroad, completed in 1869” [4].
[1] Platt, S.R. Platt (2012). Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom: China, the West, and the Epic Story of the Taiping Civil War. Alfred A. Knopf, New York.
[2] White, James (1859). A Coolie's Indentures: The Case of Wong Ahong. From the Mobile Mercury, January, 21, 1859, Cahaba Gazette, Alabama,
[3] Skeldon, Ronald (1996). Migration from China. Journal of International Affairs. Winter 96, Vol 49 Issue 2, p434, 22p.
[4] Chu, Peter and Lois M. Foster (1936). Chinese Theatres in America. Federal Theatre Project. Bureau of Research. Unpublished Print.
The California Gold Rush
On January 24, 1848, Members of the Miwok, Maidu, and Nissenan tribes assisting James W. Marshall made a gold discovery at Sutter’s Mill, Coloma, California. Resulting in the migration of some 300,000 people to the California Gold Rush; and would bring disease and widespread acts of violence throughout California and Oregon, which killed an estimated 70% of the Native American population. In 1849, San Francisco had approximately 1,000 inhabitants; and by 1858 the population had soared to over 50,000. Nearly 10,000 Chinese-Cantonese made up about 20% of the city's population
Successive gold rushes north into Canada (1858-1859) and across North America to the Black Hills (1876--1879).
Chinatowns across North America grew from a few wooden shacks to several blocks of brick buildings; housing, feeding and employing several thousands of people; with stores and services of every kind including theatres; which would import travelling troupes from Guangdong, at significant cost. Chinatown was a growing thriving trading hub with establish global networks and with strong social-economic cohesion. The community began to set down deep roots and cultivated high ambitions; however, by the turn of the century both internal and external forces would put everything at risk.
IMAGE (above): Woo Hop's Store at Sutter's Mill, California's oldest store.
The Fraser Canyon & Cariboo Gold Rushes
In 1857, gold discoveries in present day mainland British Columbia by the Secwepemc and Nlakaʼpamux people would spark the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush. In during the summer of 1858, an estimated 30,000 American and European miners had arrived in the Hope and Yale area and came into conflict with the Nlakaʼpamux people.
August 20th - "The Bostons [Americans] and Indians have been fighting for the last ten days and there has been a great many killed on both sides. The Indians have stopped the miners from going up through the Canyon,"
August 21st - "Down at Union Bar, they got five men out of the River that was shot by the Indians. They had their heads cut off. All well in camp."
George Wesley Beam, 1858
The Nlakaʼpamux and their allies defended the canyon; killing an estimated 3,000 miners before a Treaty was negotiated between Chief Cexpe’nthlEm (Chief David Splintum) and a militia Captain Henry Snyder. In 1859, the miners moved "peacefully" up the Quesnel and Horsefly Rivers where another gold discovery would begin Cariboo Gold Rush. More See Yup miners began to work the abandoned claims and some would settle among the Nlaka'pamux people [1].
[1] Hunter, Justine (2015) A forgotten history: tracing the ties between B.C.'s First Nations and Chinese workers - The Globe and Mail .
IMAGE: (above): A Cantonese man and sluice box on the Fraser River.
THE FAR SIDE OF THE POND - The Tong Yen in North America
The North West America (1788)
The first record of the Tong Yen (Cantonese) people in North America is in 1788 when a group of men including seven carpenters, five blacksmiths, five masons, four tailors, four shoemakers, three sailors and one cook; who were hired by the fur trader John Meares. On 22 January 1788, they sailed on Feliz Aventureira from Guangdong, arriving Nootka Sound in May. The Cantonese constructed two buildings and a schooner the North West America. Meares reported: "The Chinese were, on this occasion, shipped as an experiment: they have generally been esteemed an hardy, and industrious, as well as ingenious race of people; they live on fish and rice, and, requiring but low wages, it was a matter also of economical consideration to employ them; and during the whole of the voyage there was every reason to be satisfied with their services. If hereafter trading posts should be established on the American coast, a colony of these men would be a very valuable acquisition." [1]
After wintering in Hawaii the North West America returned to Nootka Sound on June 8th 1789, and was seized by the Spanish Esteban José Martínez, resulting in the "Nootka Crisis" between Spain and Britain. The Spanish would rename the vessel the Santa Gertrudis la Magna, and later the Santa Saturina.
[1] Meares (1790). Voyages Made in the Years 1788 and 1789, from China to the North West Coast of America [4]: 2
[2] McDowell, Jim (1998). José Narváez: The Forgotten Explorer. Spokane, Washington: The Arthur H. Clark Company. pp. 50–60. ISBN 0-87062-265-X.
IMAGE (left): John Webber. The Launching of the North West America.
The Santa Gertrudis (1789) & Santa Saturina (1790)
On June 8th, 1789 the Cantonese built schooner North West America returned to Nootka Sound and was seized by the Spanish and renamed Santa Gertrudis la Magna. On June 21, 1789, José María Narváez used the Santa Gertrudis to explore the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On July 2, the British fur trading ship Argonaut arrived in Nootka Sound, with more Cantonese contractors and supplies with the intent to build a British settlement. The Spanish arrested the Capt. Jame Colnett, his crew and contractors and seize the ship and supplies, for violating Spanish sovereignty. Chief Callicum brother of Grand Chief Maquinna of the Nuu-chah-nulth; possibly angered by the Spanish for seizing the British ships; is killed in an altercation with the Spanish. The Spanish then forced the Cantonese to build Fort San Miguel; and to improve the Santa Gertrudis; before it sailed it to to San Blas and disassembled. It was taken back to Nootka Sound the following year and rebuilt as the Santa Saturnina (The third incarnation of the North West America); and used by Narváez for exploring Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia, as far north as Texada Island.
[1] Moziño, José Mariano; Iris Wilson Engstrand (1991). Noticias de Nutka: An Account of Nootka Sound in 1792. University of Washington Press. pp. xxxii. ISBN 978-0-295-97103-2.
IMAGE (right): The Santa Saturina in Guemes Channel off Anacortez by Gorden Miller; from Mackie, J (2025) Sailing into the past: Gordon Miller.
https://vancouversun.com/news/vancouver-maritime-artist-gordon-miller
San Francisco (1849)
In 1849, San Francisco had approximately 1,000 inhabitants; and by 1858 the population had soared to over 50,000. Nearly 10,000 Chinese-Cantonese made up about 20% of the city's population. As a marginalized minority the new arrivals faced a foreign hostile climate; and the wealthy Cantonese merchants organized into a benevolent society known as the Six Companies to assist newly arriving immigrants with protection, food, lodging and work; . The societies operated as the defacto government of San Francisco Chinatown. The Six Companies were the: 1) Sam Yup Company, 2) See Yup Company, 3) Ning Yuen Company, 4) Yeung Wo Company, 5) the Hop Wo Company and 6) Hip Kat Company. [1]. The Six Companies operated as the defacto government of San Francisco Chinatown for over 30 years.
[1] Boyd, M.G. (2012). "The Gold Mountain Theater Riots: A Social History of Chinese Theater in San Francisco 1870s and 1880s. Masters Thesis, San Jose State University
IMAGE (left): San Francisco Harbour c.1849. Bancroft Library, Berkeley, CA
Portland (1851)
In 1851, In Oregon City (Portland) the Tong Sung House was first established; and was one of the earliest Chinese businesses recorded and was a boarding house and restaurant. By the 1870s, there were over 2,400 Cantonese miners in Oregon; who made up about 10% of the population.[1]
[1] Chinese Americans in Oregon City of Portland (OR) Archives, A2004-002.7850.
IMAGE (right): Oregon City on the Willamette River, John Mix Stanley, c.1851.
The Hamilton (1853)
Two of the earliest Wong’s to arrive in San Francisco included Wong Fong and Wong Kee who arrived on the Chinese owned ship the “Hamilton”.
"The first Chinese person identified as being directly engaged in the California passenger trade was none other than Tam Achoy, when he acted as agent twice for the Anne Welsh in Hong Kong in 1852. – He was in addition, inward agent of the Hamilton on both occcasions that it sailed to Hong Kong in 1853, and became it’s owner – probably soon afterward." [1]
[1] Pacific Crossing: California Gold, Chinese Migration and the Making of Hong Kong, Elizabeth Sinn (2012)
Seattle (1853)
The town of Seattle incorporated in 1853, and in 1855 the town of some 300 people, was attacked by a coalition of Coast Salish tribes in the Battle of Seattle; but were repulsed by the naval guns of the USS Decatur. [1,2]. By 1870, Seattle's population had grown to 1,107 people; and in 1880 it was 3,500, with a Cantonese population of about 10%; by 1885, Chinatown had grown to 950 people. Initially they were welcomed, as good workers were needed; however, anti-Asian sentiments would grow following completion of the railway in 1869 [3].
[1] Phelps T.S. (1908). Reminiscences of Seattle: Wash. Territory & the U. S. Sloop-of-War Decatur During the Indian War of 1855-56. Alice Harriman Co. Seattle, 1908. [2] Crowley, W. & D. Wilma (2003) Native Americans attack Seattle on Jan 26, 1856.
[3] Rotondi. J. P. (2024). When West Coast Cities Tried to Drive Out Their Chinatowns.
IMAGE (right): Artist's depiction of settlers seeking shelter in Seattle blockhouse, with the USS Decatur in the background. 1856 Painting by Emily Inez Denny, MOHAI (MP1955.921b)
Victoria (1858)
On June 18, 1858, the first group of 300 American Cantonese arrived in Victoria, from San Francisco on board the SS Caribbean. Throughout the summer an estimated 30,000 miners would arrive in the Fraser Canyon. The Six Companies of San Francisco establish three companies Kwong Lee Co., Tai Soong Co. and Yang Wo Sang Co. in Victoria the gold rush. The Three Companies would recruit and equip the thousands of workers from Taishan, Xinhui and Guangzhou to work the recently discovered goldfields of the Fraser Canyon. In 1862, a smallpox epidemic would kill an estimated 50-75% of the remaining indigenous population and end full-scale Indigenous resistance. In 1866, the Chinese company Kwong Lee & Co., had established a network of subsidiaries in several gold mining towns including Quesnel Forks and Barkerville. In additional to supplying miners, and mining supplies; the merchants also supplied opium and managed gambling houses and brothels. Between 1874 and 1899 opium would rise to become BC's third largest export item after coal and furs.
IMAGE: c.1858/1859 Victoria Harbour, BC, Image PDP01898, Royal BC Museum
Quesnelle Forks (1859) & Barkerville (1863)
In 1859, the Hongmen of San Francisco established a mining settlement at Quesnel Forks, BC. ann would include 20 residences; 15 stores; a boarding house, saloons, shops, numerous tents and a Tong House. In 1863, Wong Shun Goy (Huang Shen-gui) establishes the 2nd Canadian branch of the Hongmen Society, the Hong Shun Tang in Barkerville. [1] In 1968 a fire destroyed the town, with the exception of the HBC store and a few houses in Chinatown.
"I regret to have to report that about 2:30 today a fire broke out in Barkerville and by 5:00 nine tenths of the Town were destroyed. Scotts Saloon was saved in the march of the fire but it is stripped to a shell. Both Banks are burned nothing saved. HBC store everything lost, a few houses in Chinatown and at the other end of Barkerville were saved. A quantity of provisions and goods are destroyed, and prices have already risen. All the hotels destroyed. HBC new store not burned."
Charles Brew Richfield, 15 September 1868 6:30 p.m, Barkerville.[1]
[1] The Cariboo Gold Rush Barkerville Section
IMAGE (right): Barkerville before the fire of 1868 (BC Archives, Frederick Dally).
Granville/Vancouver (1884)
In 1884, the settlement of Granville (located at present day Vancouver Gastown) had a population of about one thousand and included over one hundred Cantonese people (110 men and 3 women). The sixty men worked as sawmill hands and thirty as cook or washers; fifteen were store clerks or merchants; and there were five children. [1] By 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was completed; and in 1886 Vancouver was incorporated. By 1888, the number of residents in Vancouver Chinatown had grown to over one thousand.
[1] Yee, P. Saltwater City
IMAGE (left): Granville (Gastown) 1884 (BC Archives, Frederick Dally).
Vancouver Was Awesome: Granville, 1884
https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/history/vancouver-was-awesome-granville-ca-1884-1926132
SAN FRANCISO CHINATOWN The See Yup Grand Theatre
Chinese theatres were the heart of the community, and whoever controlled the theatre wielded significant power and influence. The theatres provided regular performances of classical Cantonese Opera Cantonese opera, with roots dating back centuries. Travelling troupes, from China performed at these theatres several times a week and were important centers of cultural and civic activity. The narratives of operas were a means of teaching history and cultural values; and was one of the few legitimate forms of entertainment available.[1]
The (Old) Royal Theater aka the Sam Yup Theatre had been established in 1868 at 626 Jackson St. In 1874 the Sam Yup opened a new theatre across the street at 623 Jackson St. called the Po Hing Theatre and the 'Old Royal' became the See Yup Theatre. In 1877, The Sam Yup Co. opened a new theatre at 836 Washington St called the (new) Royal Chinese Theatre.
In 1880 the See Yups opened the Grand Chinese Theatre at 814 Washington; and began to compete with the Sam Yup. [1] Theatre rivalries between the See and Sam factions would fester. In about 1890 when little Pete became head of the Sam Yup Theatre, he managed to arrange the closure the See Yup Grand theatre.
“The real boss of the troupe is the property man, the one that owns or manages the costumes. He hires the agents and sub-managers and is responsible to the stock company in all his transactions.” [3].
[1] Boyd, M.G (2012). The Gold Mountain Theater Riots: 1870s and 1880s.
M.A. Thesis, San Jose University
[2] San Francisco Theatres Blogspot. accessed 2025-03-14.
[3] Wong Chin Foo (1889) Swintien Loh Theatre. 1889-11-08 Victoria Daily, page 2[1].
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA
1858 the population had soared to over 50,000 and had nearly 10,000 Chinese-Cantonese made up about 20% of the city's population.
IMAGE (right): A dragon parade in Chinatown on Washington Street, the Grand Theatre is the third building from the right, with the two light hanging shades. c.1892
THE HONGS, TONGS & WONGS
The Hongs
In 1644, after the fall of the Ming (明); the Hongmen (洪門) (The Vast Family) aka. continued resistance activities against the Qīng (清). After the fall of the Bejing in 1644; bands of Ming loyalists united in a sworn brotherhood would become the model on which political societies/organizations or huì dǎng (会党) would be based. Because discovery of Hongmen membership in China meant a death sentence; the Tongs truly became secret societies with complex ceremonies and traditions; including sworn oaths, secret greeting rituals and codewords. Hong Shun Tong was a common name for societies of Hongmen: there is a Hong Shun Tang in Malaysia. The origins of the San Francisco society, established in 1849, are said to trace back to the second founder, Fong Dai Shing, in Guangdong, China.17
In 1859, The Hongmen of San Francisco establish themselves in a mining settlement at Quesnel Forks, BC. The town would grow to have 20 residences, 15 stores; a boarding house, saloons, shops, numerous tents and a Tong House. In 1863, Wong Shun Goy (Huang Shen-gui) would establish the 2nd Canadian branch of the Hongmen Society, the Hong Shun Tang in Barkerville.[1]
In 1882, a Chee Kong Tong House is known to have operated from 1882 to 1910; and had over a hundred members. The Hung Shun Tong would later evolved into the Chee Kong Tong.
The Chee Kung Tong established 1876 although first chapter was established in Barkerville in 1862.
"There may have been rival chapters of the lodge established in British Columbia, each claiming authenticity for itself. At another place in the text the writer warns of fraud and misrepresentation by persons claiming to be empowered to found new chapters."
"From 1882, until 1910, the society was in operation at the Forks in the Tong House, and in the 1890's, brought about a hundred and fifty members." "The order, or a rival society, had been established in Victoria by 1897...." p. 531 ;
"At the dedication of the 'Gee Kong Tong' building in Rossland, those present included the 'local president', the 'Kootenay master', and 'the master of the Fraternity for British Columbia', "Rossland Miner, 27 October 1903 ; "This T'ang was originally founded at Mau-si [possibly north of Quesnel] in 1876, and in 1882 it was established in this town." p. 536. Rules of a Chinese Secret Society in British Columbia. Stanford M. Lyman, W. E. Willmott, Berching Ho Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol. 27, No. 3 (1964), pp. 530-539 [17 pp].
[1]University of Zurich archives https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/aoi/dam/jcr:32d166c5-5305-4920-973b-8100ffcaa4ff/History%20China%20Canada.pdf
the Hongmen established tongs in Quesnel Forks (1859), Barkerville, Cumberland (1929-1950) and Rossland.
In 1876, the Hongmen, were renamed the Chee Kung Tong (Hall of Universal Justice).
IMAGE: Chee Kong Tnog Houses in Quesnel Forks and Barkerville
Tongs
In San Francisco 1852, the Kwong Duck Tongs (KDT) are identified as the first of the fighting Tongs. In 1854, the KDT was joined by the Chee Kong Tong (CKT) and the Hip Yee Tong (HYT). Initially all Tongs reported and professed to have had a morally decent and benevolent organization. Overtime and with the rise of a numerous Tongs eventually all Tongs turned to criminal activities including fan-tan gambling halls, lotteries, opium dens, and the mui sai (prostitution) trade. The Chee Kong Tong would rise to become the largest and most active Tong, especially from 1880 when it superseded the Six Companies as the defacto government of Chinatown. In 1876, the Hongmen, re-branded themselves as the Chee Kung Tong (Hall of Universal Justice) in 1876, established tongs (meeting halls/mutual aid societies) in Quesnel Forks (1859), Barkerville (1863), Cumberland (1888) and Rossland (1894).
In 1880, Low Yet a Cantonese leader from the Red Turban Rebellion (1854–1856) fled China and formed the Chee Kung Tong (CKT) that emerged from
The Chee Kong Tong aka "Chinese FreeMasons", Hongshuntang (洪順堂), and Yixingtang (義興堂) and emerged in the mid-19th century, with branches formed by Chinese communities overseas, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, the UK and Australia. The Chee Kong Tong (CKT) in San Francisco in 1849 said to have origins in Kwangtung (Guangdong) Province, China; and seems to be regarded as the origin of some or all of the CKT. https://asiamoney.weebly.com/chee-kung-tong.html
Wongs
The Wong’s from Xinhui supported the Tiandihui during the Red Turban Rebellion and would grow to form one of the largest Tong clans in North America. In California, by the Wongs numbered up to ten thousand; with reforming their organizations and continuing to support reform and revolution through the Chee Kong Tong (CKT) success, and by the 1880s had ceded much control to the CKT
“Before the railway, before British Columbia joined Confederation, many Chinese were already here. They were farming, mining and logging. They arrived by the hundreds starting in 1858 at the start of the gold rush“
Prof. Henry Yu, University of British Columbia
One of the first known Wong’s to arrive in British Columbia was Dr. Wong Chung who arrived in 1853 and lived in Victoria for 30 years. He passed away in 1884. At the time skilled Chinese doctors were sought out by both the Chinese, European and First Nations communities.
In 1863, Wong Shun Goy (Huang Shen-gui) would establish the 2nd Canadian branch of the Hongmen Society, the Hong Shun Tang in Barkerville.[1] In 1882, a Chee Kong Tong House is known to have operated from 1882 to 1910; and had over a hundred members.
MARCH 8, 1895
the six company police cross the wong line
A fight has been made on the Six Company Police, by the Wong Clan after one of their members was severely beaten, just for being a Wong. The Six Company Police have eight officers, and are controlled by the Sam Yup Tong. The Wong Clan numbers 10,000 members across California.
July 3, 1896 - The Wong's Force End to Boycott
THE KING OF SAN FRANCISCO CHINATOWN Fung Jin Toy aka. "Little Pete"
Fung Jing Toy (Chinese: 馮正初) aka. Little Pete (c. 1864 – January 23, 1897) was a prominent leader of the Sam Yup Bong On Tong during height the Tong wars of San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1890s. By the age of 20, Little Pete was involved in prostitution, gambling, and the opium trade. By 1890, at the age of twenty-five, Little Pete bec
Fung Jing Toy (Chinese: 馮正初) aka. Little Pete (c. 1864 – January 23, 1897) was a prominent leader of the Sam Yup Bong On Tong during height the Tong wars of San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1890s. By the age of 20, Little Pete was involved in prostitution, gambling, and the opium trade. By 1890, at the age of twenty-five, Little Pete became leader of the Sam Yup Tong. It was said he had killed over fifty (50) men; wore a steel-reinforced hat and chain mail under his suit and was invincible. He closed the popular See Yup Grand Theatre on Washington Street, so that his Sam Yap Jackson Street theater would have a monopoly. In 1892 the Six Company Police of Chinatown were formed and duly deputized by Chief Crowley of the SFPD. They became a powerful tool of Little Pete and the Sam Yups to further oppress the See Yup community. By 1895 the tension would erupt into a trade boycott lasting over a year and would include violence, murder; and the destruction of the See Yup Headquarters, which shook the community; and prompted the Wong's to intercede; and call an end to the boycott.
The Wong's End the Boycott
In July 1896 the Wong Clan who has members in both rival Tongs calls an end to the year and a half boycott of the Sam Yups and establishes a fragile peace.
SCENE OF THE CRIME - 817 WASHINGTON STREET
Wong's Barbershop at 817 Washington Street, San Francisco
The barber shop owned by the Wongs, where Little Pete was murdered is located at 817 Washington Street and is now home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Little Pete's shoe store, The F.C. Peters Co. was located next door to the right at 819 Washington.
IMAGE (above): Google Earth accessed 2025.
During the 1890's a young Sam Yup leader Fong Ching Toy (aka Little Pete) would rise to power; to become the "King of San Francisco Chinatown"; and a major player in the Chinese theatre rivalries of the 1890s; and used his influence and his highbinder gangs to terrorize and bankrupt his competitors. In the early 1890's he managed to orchestrate the closure of the See Yup Grand theater over a lease dispute; crushing the See Yup theatre business. In 1892 Chief Crowley of the SFPD deputized the Six Company Police, that was controlled by Little Pete. Little Pete's growing unchecked influence instilled a deep resentment in the See Yup community, that would lead to a See v. Sam trade boycott and subsequent Tong Wars that would wreak havoc on the economy of Chinatown, changing it forever.
THE AFTERMATH OF THE MURDER
WONG & CHIN DECOYS? Following "Approved Methods" for Chinese Murder
Suspicious circumstances surrounding the murder all pointed to a well-planned assassination. "The fact that ten men crossed the street with the assassin and shielded him with their bodies from the gaze of witnesses" - "Chin Poy and Wong Sing may have been present and in all probability played a part in assisting the actual murderer esc
Suspicious circumstances surrounding the murder all pointed to a well-planned assassination. "The fact that ten men crossed the street with the assassin and shielded him with their bodies from the gaze of witnesses" - "Chin Poy and Wong Sing may have been present and in all probability played a part in assisting the actual murderer escape - in line with the approved method of carrying out Chinese murders." And there is confusion about the role of the only witness Wong Lung at the barbershop.
1897-01-25. Terror in Chinatown San Francisco Call, p5.pdf
SAM YUP CONSPIRACY "TO MAKE THE SEE YUPS AN EXTINCT PEOPLE" UNCOVERED
In the aftermath of Little Pete's murder, it was learned that the Chinese Imperial Vice-Counsel (King Owang) had conspired with Little Pete; offering him $40K ($1.5M in 2025 dollars) to arrange the destruction of the See Yup headquarters to make the See Yups an "extinct people". The See Yups retaliated, posting a bounty of $2K for the a
In the aftermath of Little Pete's murder, it was learned that the Chinese Imperial Vice-Counsel (King Owang) had conspired with Little Pete; offering him $40K ($1.5M in 2025 dollars) to arrange the destruction of the See Yup headquarters to make the See Yups an "extinct people". The See Yups retaliated, posting a bounty of $2K for the assassination of the Imperial Vice Counsel and "Little Pete".
Note: "Lee Yup" above typo for "See Yup".
REOPENING OF THE SEE YUP GRAND THEATRE
Within days of the Little Pete's murder the See Yups reopened their Grand Theater located at 814 Washington Street. The Grand Theatre had been closed by Little Pete for the past seven years to promote his Sam Yup Jackson Street Theater aka (New) Royal Theatre and to suppress See Yup community interests. Cantonese theatres were the cent
Within days of the Little Pete's murder the See Yups reopened their Grand Theater located at 814 Washington Street. The Grand Theatre had been closed by Little Pete for the past seven years to promote his Sam Yup Jackson Street Theater aka (New) Royal Theatre and to suppress See Yup community interests. Cantonese theatres were the centre of the community, and through the decades See Yup and Sam Yup Factions struggled for control over the theatres, the troupes and the court/immigration interpreter positions would become increasingly valuable. Those who controlled the theatres were able to maintain the capacity to move people and products, around the country and across borders. During a period of increasing Asian exclusion and restriction. The Chinese merchants succeeded in moving their products and people; through the theatre troupes; with the legal protection of their incorporated companies, benevolent societies; and support of their churches.
THE MURDER OF LITTLE PETE UNSOLVED:
In 1930, a book Tong Wars identifies Lem Jung and Chew Tin Gop as the assassins [1]. However, Dillon (1962) states that:
"Eddie Gong writing thirty-five years after the assassination, stated that the two murderers were two Suey Sings named Lem Jung and Chew Tin Gop. They were in San Francisco on a stopover while on Route to China and were chosen for the task because they were unknown to Pete and his bodyguard and the police. However, Gong is so often wrong in describing details of the Little Pete case that his convenient solution of the perfect Chinatown crime must be viewed suspiciously." and that the case must be considered unsolved.
[1] Gong, E.Y. (1930). Tong War! Nicolas Brown, New York.
[2] Dillion, R. (1962) The Hatchetmen, San Francisco's Brotherhood of Blood.
WONGS v. SING SUEY TONG
Following the assassination of Little Pete the Wong clan was targeted by both See Yups and Sam Yaps; and entered a protracted and deadly struggle with the Suey Sing Tong.
"Merchants bearing the name Wong became favoured targets for Suey Sing gunmen." “There was not a Wong in the whole city who would dare stand behind his counter,
Following the assassination of Little Pete the Wong clan was targeted by both See Yups and Sam Yaps; and entered a protracted and deadly struggle with the Suey Sing Tong.
"Merchants bearing the name Wong became favoured targets for Suey Sing gunmen." “There was not a Wong in the whole city who would dare stand behind his counter, night or day; they either left town or remained in hiding”. Tong gunmen unchivalrously took as legitimate targets any women or child associated with the opposing clan or tong.” [1]
[1] 1978 Unemployment and Crime: Hearings Before the Subcommittee on Crime in San Francisco Chinatown.
WONG CLAN UNDER PRESSURE IN SAN FRANCISCO
Under pressure from all sides the Wong Clan begin to move their base and out of San Francisco; east across the continent and north into the Pacific Northwest including Portland, Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver.
"All the prominent Wongs are either in hiding or have left the city." [1]
[1] Six Companies Fail to Pacify Chins and Wongs. 1901-11-11, SF Examiner, p11.
Suey Sing Tong Contracted by Chins to take out the Wongs
"The Wong and Chin families which comprise about 8,000 members in Chinatown, are in a position to resent any intervention by the Six Companies." "If they once start shooting in real earnest, there'll be a killing all winter." [1]
[1] Six Companies Fail to Pacify Chins and Wongs. 1901-11-11, SF Examiner, p11
WONG SAI YOW & The Wong Clan in the Pacific Northwest
Wong Sai Yow, popularly known as "The Gold Toothed Fellow" - "He bears the reputation of being the leader of the Wong family, which is a very bad lot..." and "...is said to be an ex-convict from the State of Oregon, and since his return to Canada is said to have been high in the councils of Highbinders.
THE MURDER OF MAH QUAN
Reports from Victoria indicate a carefully planned murder by a gang of 9-10 men, murdered the Mah Quan the theatre owner: "They seized the unfortunate Mah Quan by the throat." "Then Quan was thrown over the balcony on to the floor below and his back was broken."
POSTING OF REWARD BLOCKED BY WONGS
The Chinese Empire Reform Association (CERA) attempted to post a $1,000 reward for the arrest of the alleged murders of Man Quon; however, the Wong clan was present in large numbers in the meeting; and had prominent members within the CERA leadership; whereby Wong Soon King served as secretary and later treasurer; and Wong Wah Lung served
The Chinese Empire Reform Association (CERA) attempted to post a $1,000 reward for the arrest of the alleged murders of Man Quon; however, the Wong clan was present in large numbers in the meeting; and had prominent members within the CERA leadership; whereby Wong Soon King served as secretary and later treasurer; and Wong Wah Lung served as one of three Vancouver representatives; Yip On the Wong clan’s close ally served as Vice-President. The posting of the bond was blocked, and a second meeting had to be called.
AN HONORABLE MERCHANT
AN HONORABLE MERCHANT
The Wong family was a known to be a wealthy family, with "friends" in high places. They engaged a team of four lawyers for the defence. A week later The Province newspaper retracted their accusations about Wong Sai Yow and stated that they were "mis-informed" and "regrets the publication". And that "he is and always has been a progressi
The Wong family was a known to be a wealthy family, with "friends" in high places. They engaged a team of four lawyers for the defence. A week later The Province newspaper retracted their accusations about Wong Sai Yow and stated that they were "mis-informed" and "regrets the publication". And that "he is and always has been a progressive businessman of good standing and repute" and "an honorable merchant".
In 2016 The Times Colonist ran an excerpt of the murder story of "A Mysterious Murder in Chinatown; unfortunately the article again mischaracterizes the Wong family; as it ignores the fact that the Wong On and Wong Gow were later acquitted. Thanks to Detective George Perdue; it was discovered that the men had been framed by members of the rival Sam Yup Shanghai Syndicate, Loo Gee Wing and Haw Fat Chung, The Shanghai syndicate was in competition with the Wongs over control of the theatres.[1]
[1] McNicolls (2015) “Deadman Centre Stage” in BC Murders: Notorious Cases and Unsolved Mysteries. Heritage-house-publishing
CHINATOWN, VANCOUVER, BC
VANCOUVER CHINATOWN GROWS & MERCHANTS PROSPER
In 1884 Cantonese merchants first began coming to the settlement known as Granville (present day Gastown); among them was a sixteen-year-old boy from Xinhui, known as named Wong Wah Lung. Wong had arrived with his uncle to help with the family business Hip Tuck Lung Co., which was one a licensed opium manufacturer, for a then legal trade; whchi would become BC 3rd largest expotr, after coal and lumber. Wong would later rise to become a leading member in Chinese Board of Trade and "one of the big directors" if not the "editor-in-chief" of the Vancouver opium ring. [1]
In 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was completed; and in 1886 Vancouver was incorporated. By 1888, the number of residents in Vancouver Chinatown had grown to over one thousand. By the end of the first decade of the 1900s, Vancouver Chinatown covered about four city blocks bounded by Canton Alley to the west, Hastings Street to the north, Keefer Street to the south, and Westminster Avenue to the east. Coal Harbour in Vancouver had a deeper harbour and was now connected to the rest of Canada by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). The merchants prospered and held an estimated property value of the community was estimated at about $3.0M (about $100M in 2025 dollars). In 1908, the Cantonese population of Vancouver was about four to five thousand; with a total of ten to thirteen thousand across BC. [1]
The district rivalries between the See Yup and Sam Yap was carried over from the homeland of Canton (modern day Guangdong); and had been exacerbated by the violence of the San Francisco Tong Wars of the 1890s. In the backlash, the Wong Clan, along with the Chee Kong Tong and the Yen Wo Barbers Association had been driven out of San Franciso by the Tong Wars and ineffectiveness of the Six Companies. The Chee Kong Tong and Yen Wo Association moved their headquarters to Victoria; and a diaspora of Wongs fanned east across the continent to Toronto, Chicago, Boston and New York; and north to Portland, Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver. In Vancouver, the Wong clan re-established itself within the Canton Alley Syndicate controlled by Yip Sang, a prominent member of the See Yup Society and a former CPR paymaster.[2]
In Vancouver and Victoria, the See v. Sam rivalry and animosity continued in a more understated manner. The two factions managed to work effectively together for mutual goals and to protect their community. In 1895, Vancouver Chinatowns ninety-five merchants founded the Chinese Board of Trade (CTB). In 1906, the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) was incorporated to help unify the community, settle internal disputes, help the sick and the poor; and defend the community against external threats. The founding directors of the CBA included Yip Sang, Shum Moon, Wong Soon King, Lee Kee, Chong Tong and Leong Suey.[2] In 1898, members of the CBT and CBA help Kang Youwei found the Chinese Empire Reform Association (CERA) which would plot an armed uprising in China. In 1905, Wong Wah Lung would serve as the See Yup Vancouver representative of CERA; with Law A. Yam, President; Yip On, Vice President; Lee Kwong, secretary, W.A. Cumyow, foreign secretary; and Wong Soon King, treasurer. The merchant group would later shift it's support to Sun Yet Sen and would raise funds for the Second Guangzhou Uprising" of April 27th, 1911; the Wuchang Uprising (Oct 10, 1911 – Dec 1, 1911) and finally the successful the Xinhai Revolution (Oct 10, 1911 – Feb 12, 1912); which resulted in the abdication of the Qing Dynasty's "Last Emperor", and the founding of the Republic of China (ROC).
[1] Charge that all Affidavits Were Forged - David Lew responsible, wrote them himself. January 9, 1911, Vancouver Daily World, p1.
[2] The Chinese Benevolent Association is Incorporated. December 2, 1906 - Vancouver Sun,
51 East Pender, THE WING SANG BUILDING (1889)
The Wing Sang building dates to 1889, when Vancouver was only three years old. It was built by Yip Sang, who was once regarded as the unofficial mayor of Chinatown. Yip Sang arrived in Canada in 1881 (from San Francisco, where he’d been working since 1865). He spent some time in the Cariboo gold fields; before becoming a supervisor, then paymaster for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). In 1888, he established the Wing Sang Co. and built a warehouse and store with living accommodation on 51 East Pender Street, between Carrall and Columbia. A year later Yip added a third floor and built eastwards as his business expanded. The Wah Tin Loch Theatre managed by Wong Wah Lung and Wong On, was located at the rear of the building as shown in the 1889 Vancouver Chinatown map above.
IMAGE (above): Yip Sang and family in front of the Wing Sang building in 1902. On the outside, it looks largely the same today - IMAGE (right). Photo courtesy of the City of Vancouver Archives, AM1108-S4-: CVA 689-54.
CHINESE CANADIAN MUSEUM (2023)
The Wing Sang building, Chinatown's oldest building is now a museum celebrating Chinese Canadians in B.C. [1] The Wing Sang building dates to 1889, when Vancouver was only three years old. It was built by Yip Sang, who was once regarded as the unofficial mayor of Chinatown, leader of the Canton Alley Syndicate. In recent years the Wing Sang building was owned by Bob Rennie, who spent $22M restoring the building to house his real estate office company and private art gallery.
[1] Mackie, J. Chinatown's oldest building to become museum, Vancouver Sun Feb 11, 2022. https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/chinatowns-oldest-building-to-become-museum-celebrating-b-c-s-chinese-canadians
[2] Grandson of Yip Sang shares tales - museum set to open Vancouver Sun, May 23, 2023
IMAGE (above)
CANTON ALLEY SYNDICATE (1903)
The Canton Alley syndicate complex was located on Dupont St (modern day Pender Street) and had a tunnel in the center which led to an alley. Yip Sang's Wing Sang Co. was the principal owner and controlled over half of the complex. The initial 2-storey building was developed by the Wing Sang Company in 1903, cost $10,000 and was designed by Michael O’Keefe a builder willing to design buildings for Chinese owners to build themselves. In 1904, it had developed it's characteristic archway with the enclosed courtyard formed by two parallel rows of buildings running south from Pender Street. The premises were damaged in the 1907 anti-Asian riots. In 1911, following a fire the entire Pender block was redeveloped as a six storey rooming house. In 1923, the Chinese Immigration Act (or more accurately, the Chinese Exclusion Act) forbid any Chinese immigration to Canada. Canton Alley remained occupied.; and the population of Chinatown declined. The buildings were demolished in 1949, and the site remained vacant; until 1998 when the CBA manor was built. The 4-storey social services centre run by SUCCESS recreates the alley entrance as an entrance to a gated courtyard; as Canton Alley was after the 1907 riots). [1]
In Vancouver and Victoria, the See v. Sam rivalry and animosity continued in a more understated manner. The two factions managed to work effectively together for mutually beneficial goals and to protect their community. In 1895, ninety-five (95) merchants of Vancouver founded the Chinese Board of Trade (CTB). In 1906, the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) was incorporated to help unify the community, settle internal disputes, help the sick and the poor; and defend the community against external threats. The founding directors of the CBA included Yip Sang, Shum Moon, Wong Soon King, Lee Kee, Chong Tong and Leong Suey.[2] In 1898, members of the CBT and CBA help Chinese Empire Reform Association (CERA) which would support Kang Youwei's plot for an armed uprising in China. In 1905, Wong Wah Lung would serve as the See Yup Vancouver representative of CERA; with Law A. Yam, President; Yip On, Vice President; Lee Kwong, secretary, W.A. Cumyow, foreign secretary; and Wong Soon King, treasurer. The merchant group would later shift it's support to Sun Yet Sen and would raise funds for the Second Guangzhou Uprising" aka. "Yellow Flower Mound Revolt" of April 27th, 1911; the Wuchang Uprising (Oct 10, 1911 – Dec 1, 1911) and finally the successful the Xinhai Revolution (Oct 10, 1911 – Feb 12, 1912); which resulted in the abdication of Puyi the Qing Dynasty's "Last Emperor", and the founding of the Republic of China (ROC).
[1] Canton Alley | Changing Vancouver
https://changingvancouver.wordpress.com/2020/10/08/canton-alley/
[1] “Instructive Information on Commercial Life in Chinatown.” May 28, 1908 - Daily New Advertiser, page 3.
[2] Yee. P. 1988 - Saltwater City Saltwater City: An Illustrated History of the Chinese in Vancouver, Douglas and McIntyre, 978-0-88894-616-4.
CHINESE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION (CBA) MANOR (1998)
In 1998, the Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) built a manor on the site which captured the essence of the original Canton Alley. Both the Manor and the adjacent Millennium Gate was designed by celebrated local architect Joe Wai with Davidson Yuen Simpson [1]. Today the 4-storey building is home to commercial and residential properties; and a social services center run by S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
[1] Joe Wai - JYW Architecture Inc.
IMAGE: Google Earth 2025.
IMAGE (above) CBA Manor and Millennium Gate
CHINESE THEATRES
Tai
Sing Ping
Sing Kew
Ko Sing
Underwater Chinatown | Early Cantonese Opera in Vancouver
124 Pender St. SING KEW THEATRE ( c.1909 )
In 1909, Loo Gee Wing built the Sing Kew Theatre (Ko Sing Opera House) at 124 Pender St. Loo was a Sam Yup merchant who acquired the Kwong Lee Company in 1886 [1]. The other Sam Yup theatre was the Sing Ping Theatre, owned by Chang Toy. (There were theatres built in Hong Kong at the same period with the same names as Vancouver’s theatres). Many recent published sources repeat the statement “Loo had made his fortune in the Cariboo Gold Rush”, although there is little evidence of this. He had interests in Barkerville in mining, but up to the early 1900s most references to his business dealings relate to property, court cases (some involving gambling), or trading. The See v. Sam theatre and other rivalries had carried over from San Francisco to Vancouver and the deep animosity between the See Yup and Sam Yap fractions, would continue. Loo was a member of the Sam Yup Shanghai Alley Syndicate; and the Wongs were with the See Yup Canton Alley Syndicate. Things would come to a head when Wong Gow and Wong On (co-manager of the Wah Tin Loch Theatre) were framed by Loo and Haw Fat Chung for the murder of Mah Quan, a theatre owner in Victoria.
https://buildingvancouver.wordpress.com/tag/chinatown/
Sandfort-Marchese, A.R. (2024). Remembering Loo Gee Wing (1861-1923).
Loo Gee Wing | buildingvancouver
https://buildingvancouver.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/loo-gee-wing/
SHANGHAI ALLEY & THE SAM KEE BUILDING( c.1913 )
In 1901, a city road widening project expropriated property from by Chang Toy the owner of The Sam Kee Co. leaving a narrow six foot strip; on which Chang Toy would build world’s shallowest building, according to the Guinness Book of Records. the hire Bryan and Gillam to design using a steel frame; what would become the
“The Sam Kee Building was constructed in 1913, has heritage value for its architectural design and is touted by the Guinness Book of Records as the 'shallowest commercial building' in the world; and has a depth from front to back of only 6 feet (180 cm); and is augmented on the second floor by projecting bay windows; and by a basement that extends as far again beneath the sidewalk. The unusual proportions arose from a dispute whereby the City had expropriated most of the lot for street-widening without compensating the owner, the Sam Kee Company, for the residue, believed to be unusable.
This event has value as a gauge of the disrespect shown to Chinese-Canadians by the civic authorities; and owner Chang Toy's response in building on the much-reduced site is an indicator of the Chinese community's defiance to this discrimination.”
23 E. Pender, Hip Tuck Lung 2.0 (1907)
In 1907 Wong Soon King had a building constructed at 23 Dupont (now E. Pender Street) where Hip Tuck Lung continued their operations in. The Ming Wo store location started life in Chinatown just after the street had been renamed (in 1907) from Dupont to East Pender. There was a buildings here in 1889, but the 4-storey Ming Wo building was built in 1907. It was built for Wong Soon King who headed a company that bore his name, but who also controlled opium processor and dealer Hip Tuck Lung. That company operated from the other side of the street at 4 East Pender for many years, but in 1908 they moved to 23 East Pender. The ‘official’ version of this building says it was designed in 1913 by W H Chow for Wong Soon King. [1]
The building still stands today and in 2024 was being offered for sale by Corbel Commercial Inc. for $3.8M.
{1] Wong Soon King | Changing Vancouver https://changingvancouver.wordpress.com/tag/wong-soon-king/
CANTON & SHANGHAI ALLEYS
"When the Great Northern Railway set up shop on Columbia and Dupont (now East Pender Street) in 1905, many people (mainly Chinese men and prostitutes) were displaced, but they didn’t have to go far. A “New Chinatown” had been developed just west of Carrall Street, consisting of two small lanes called Canton Alley and Shanghai Alley in what had been a mainly industrial area. Shanghai Alley is behind Carrall Street to the west. It was home to an opium factory (before drug laws were introduced in 1908), Sing Kew Theatre, and the rear of the Chinese Empire Reform Association, but both alleys were mostly filled with tenements to house Chinese workers, with shops at street level. Prostitutes began moving in after being chased off Dupont Street by police so that passengers disembarking at the new railway station would be spared encounters with “painted ladies.” The increased demand for space in Shanghai and Canton alleys by the sex trade boosted the value of those properties. Existing leaseholders took advantage of the situation by subletting their spaces for higher rents, to the chagrin of the landowners." [1]
[1] Historic Vancouver Alleys | Trounce, Blood, Shanghai, And Canton https://forbiddenvancouver.ca/history-deviant-alleys-vancouver/
AN HONORABLE MERCHANT - Wong Sai Yow, aka. The Gold Toothed
23 E. Pender, Hip Tuck Lung 2.0
In 1907 Wong Soon King had a building constructed at 23 Dupont (now E. Pender Street) where Hip Tuck Lung continued their operations in. The Ming Wo store location started life in Chinatown just after the street had been renamed (in 1907) from Dupont to East Pender. There was a buildings here in 1889, but the 4-storey Ming Wo building wa
In 1907 Wong Soon King had a building constructed at 23 Dupont (now E. Pender Street) where Hip Tuck Lung continued their operations in. The Ming Wo store location started life in Chinatown just after the street had been renamed (in 1907) from Dupont to East Pender. There was a buildings here in 1889, but the 4-storey Ming Wo building was built in 1907. It was built for Wong Soon King who headed a company that bore his name, but who also controlled opium processor and dealer Hip Tuck Lung. That company operated from the other side of the street at 4 East Pender for many years, but in 1908 they moved to 23 East Pender. The ‘official’ version of this building says it was designed in 1913 by W H Chow for Wong Soon King. [1]
The building still stands today and in 2024 was being offered for sale by Corbel Commercial Inc. for $3.8M.
{1] Wong Soon King | Changing Vancouver https://changingvancouver.wordpress.com/tag/wong-soon-king/
124 Pender St. SING KEW THEATRE Est. 1909
100 E. Pender St. SUN AH HOTEL (1911)
100 E. Pender St. SUN AH HOTEL (1911)
Built in 1911 for property developer, Loo Gee Wing, the building has been owned by the Lung Kong clan society since 1926. The top three storeys now house the residential Sun Ah Hotel. Designed by R.T. Perry and R.A. Nicholais, the coarse brick texture was intended to reflect the hand-built nature and aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts move
Built in 1911 for property developer, Loo Gee Wing, the building has been owned by the Lung Kong clan society since 1926. The top three storeys now house the residential Sun Ah Hotel. Designed by R.T. Perry and R.A. Nicholais, the coarse brick texture was intended to reflect the hand-built nature and aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts movement, a modern and popular style at the time of construction. On ground level was the famous Ho Ho Restuarant; after 1998 named Foo's Ho Ho Restuarant. For many years the Ho Ho Restaurant’s 4 story high neon sign served as a landmark, but 8 years after the restaurant closed, the sign was removed.
IMAGE (above): Exterior view of Sun Ah Hotel City of Vancouver, 2004
Our Story
HIP TUCK LUNG CO.
HIP TUCK LUNG CO.
Hip Tuck Lung Co. was founded in Vancouver by the Wong family around 1884, the same year Wong Wah Lung arrived with his uncle (Wong Sai Yow/Wong Shim?). A city directory from 1889 shows Hip Tuck Lung as 'importers of opium' located at 4 Dupont (now 4 East Pender St.) next to the saloon on the corner of Carrall Street. Hip Tuck Lung ope
Hip Tuck Lung Co. was founded in Vancouver by the Wong family around 1884, the same year Wong Wah Lung arrived with his uncle (Wong Sai Yow/Wong Shim?). A city directory from 1889 shows Hip Tuck Lung as 'importers of opium' located at 4 Dupont (now 4 East Pender St.) next to the saloon on the corner of Carrall Street. Hip Tuck Lung operated from this location for more for over 20 years. and in 1908 moved to 23 East Pender
WONG LUNG CO.
HIP TUCK LUNG CO.
In 1889, the Wong Lung Co. was incorporated and rented warehouse next to Hip Tuck Lung. It is believed that this was Wong Wah Lung's company, which provided supply and distribution for Hip Tuck Lung. As some years later he would be publicly identified as the "Editor-in-Chief" of the Vancouver opium ring.[1]
[1] Charge that All Affida
In 1889, the Wong Lung Co. was incorporated and rented warehouse next to Hip Tuck Lung. It is believed that this was Wong Wah Lung's company, which provided supply and distribution for Hip Tuck Lung. As some years later he would be publicly identified as the "Editor-in-Chief" of the Vancouver opium ring.[1]
[1] Charge that All Affidavits were Forged. January 9th, 1911, Vancouver Daily World, p9.
WONG SHIM RESIGNS FROM HTL
In 1896, Wong Shim the manager of Hip Tuck Lung Co. resigned and left the country. It is believed that Wong Wah Lung now 29 years old, may have left at or about the same time; and stopped in San Francisco to assist with family business; before returning home to Xinhui to marry and pay respects to the family.
NOTE: Wong Sai Yow may have
In 1896, Wong Shim the manager of Hip Tuck Lung Co. resigned and left the country. It is believed that Wong Wah Lung now 29 years old, may have left at or about the same time; and stopped in San Francisco to assist with family business; before returning home to Xinhui to marry and pay respects to the family.
NOTE: Wong Sai Yow may have involved in the 1901 Fisk Investigation regarding police corruption in San Francisco [2]. Other known Wong Sai family members include Wong Sai Fong “King of the old school highbinders” [3] and Wong Sai On, a leading ‘Mui Sai’ trafficker [4].
[1] Vancouver Men Now Concerned, The Province February 3, 1904
[2] Chinese Gamblers Ridgely Questioned by Grand Jury. April 7, 1915. San Francisco Examiner, p8.
[3] Old Tong King fights Exile. April 7, 1915, SFExam, p8.
[4] Life in Chinatown – Kim Yuk of Annam. July 29, 1892, The Victoria Daily Times, p11.
David Lew Informs
The Chinese Empire Reform Association (CERA) attempted to post a $1,000 reward for the arrest of the alleged murders of Man Quon; however, the Wong clan was present in large numbers in the meeting; and had prominent members within the CERA leadership; whereby Wong Soon King served as secretary and later treasurer; and Wong Wah Lung serv
The Chinese Empire Reform Association (CERA) attempted to post a $1,000 reward for the arrest of the alleged murders of Man Quon; however, the Wong clan was present in large numbers in the meeting; and had prominent members within the CERA leadership; whereby Wong Soon King served as secretary and later treasurer; and Wong Wah Lung served as one of three Vancouver representatives; Yip On the Wong clan’s close ally served as Vice-President. The posting of the bond was blocked, and a second meeting had to be called.
Wong Wah Lung offers $2,000, for the murder of David Lew
Wong Wah Lung offers $2,000, for the murder of David Lew
person willing to assist so far as the Commission was aware. . . . In justice to him it must be said that he rendered much valuable aid.”
Wong Soon King passed away in 1918, and was succeeded by his brother Wong Way, who’s extravagant show of wealth, and general indiscretions attract the increasing attention of authorities; and become
person willing to assist so far as the Commission was aware. . . . In justice to him it must be said that he rendered much valuable aid.”
Wong Soon King passed away in 1918, and was succeeded by his brother Wong Way, who’s extravagant show of wealth, and general indiscretions attract the increasing attention of authorities; and become one of the first to fall under King’s new Narcotics Act.
Wongs from Xinhui had supported the Tiandihui during the Red Turban Rebellion and would grow to form one of the largest Tong clans in North America; reforming their organizations and continuing to support reform and revolution through the Chee Kong Tong (CKT; Chinese Empire Reform Association (CERA) and Chinese Board of Trade (CBT) going on to help raise funds for the ‘Second Guangzhou Uprising’ of April 27th, 1911 led by revolutionary leader Wong Sing (Huang Xing) in the Yellow Flower Mound Revolt, Wuchang Uprising and Xinhai Revolution [1] The Chinese Benevolent Association is Incorporated. December 2, 1906 - Vancouver Sun, page 13. [2] “Instructive Information on Commercial Life in Chinatown.” May 28, 1908 - Daily New Advertiser, page 3.
Wong Wah Lung offers $2,000, for the murder of David Lew
Wong Wah Lung offers $2,000, for the murder of David Lew
person willing to assist so far as the Commission was aware. . . . In justice to him it must be said that he rendered much valuable aid.”
.
Wong Wah Lung offers $2,000, for the murder of David Lew
Wong Wah Lung offers $2,000, for the murder of David Lew
Wong Wah Lung offers $2,000, for the murder of David Lew
person willing to assist so far as the Commission was aware. . . . In justice to him it must be said that he rendered much valuable aid.”
WONG WAH LUNG, GENERAL MERCHANT (1868 - 1964)
Wong Wah Lung (b, Sept 29, 1868; d. Feb 18, 1964) aka. Wong Wa, Wong Wah, Wong Lung and Wah Lung; Wong Seong, Yue Ling and Jack Kow: A prominent Cantonese merchant born in the village of Wong Chung, Xinhui (SUN WOI), Guangdong, China [1]. Wong Wah first arrived in Granville (modern day Vancouver, Gastown) in 1884 [2], and in 1888 would lease a warehouse, incorporate Wong Lung Co. and begin providing supply and distribution services for Hip Tuck Lung Co. Wong travelled for a period between 1896 and 1897 the left the country; and is believed to have returned home to marry and to assist with the family business in San Francisco returning in September 1897. By the turn of the century Wong was a leading member of the Chinese Board of Trade and owned the Quong Fong Lee restaurant; two gambling houses and "other" houses in Vancouver; "rental" properties in the cannery district of Steveston [4]; and was the principal shareholder and co-manager of the Wah Tin Loch Theatre and the later Kwok Tai Ping Theater [3]. In Victoria, Wong owned a store and warehouse at 557 and 534 Cormorant Street; had a summer house on Cook Street. Wong Wah Lung was a member of the Canton Alley Syndicate; Chinese Board of Trade, See Yup Society and Chinese Empire Reform Association (CERA). Wong provided testimony in two Royal Commissions led by MacKenzie King; the first on the Anti-Asian Riot of 1904; and another on Chinese immigration fraud in 1911, both led by Mackenzie King (then deputy Minister for Labour). In the months leading up to the inquiry on Chinese immigration, Wong was identified by an informant as one of the wealthiest merchants in Chinatown; and “one of the big managing directors, if not the editor-in-chief of the Vancouver opium ring."[6]. subsequently Wong would place an ad in the newspaper offering of $2,000; then $3,000 for the murder of the informant, Lew Hung Chang (David Lew). When the Commission convened in January 1911 Lew could no longer remember who or where he had heard the information about Wong. In 1921, Wong served as president of the Christ Church United Society, help found the United Church of Canada. [8] In 1928, Wong would be arrested in a sting operation, arrested and convicted for opium peddling. While free on bail to settle his business affairs, Wong would appeal; however, when this failed; he fled the juristiction leading Canadian authorities on a prolonged man hunt, that would stretch from Vancouver to Yokohama; and across the US to the Dakotas; Regina, then Winnipeg, Toronto, Windsor; Detroit and Chicago. Wong was arrested in Chicago in 1930 at the height of the On Leong Chicago Hip Tongs Wars.
RMS EMPRESS OF INDIA
During the 1890’s Wong Wah Lung travelled out of country and returned on September 20th, 1898, via the Royal Mail Steamer, RMS Empress of India. [1] The RMS India was one of three twin screw RMS liners were the supersonic Concords of their day and built for the Canadian Pacific Railways to connect Royal mail service across the Pacific to Canada. The merchants took full advantage and with the aid of the Cantonese stewards and crew; and complicity of the CPR Immigration Interpreters (controlled by Yip Sang); police and other authorities, the Canton Alley Syndicate Yip Sang, Wong Wah Lung and Wong Soon King, would use the CPR liners to great effect; moving products and people; with the theatre troupes; and under the with the legal protection of their incorporated companies, benevolent societies; and churches. As the defacto Chinese Immigration Czar, Yip Sang would regularly exclude members of the rival Sam Yup Shanghai Syndicate.
[1] Department of Immigration and Colonization Canada (1924). Chinese Immigration Registration for Wong Wa_557 Cormorant St. Victoria, BC. June 25th, 1924.
[2] R.M.S. Empress of India, c. 1910
https://www.oldtokyo.com/r-m-s-empress-of-india-c-1910/
IMAGE (LEFT): RMS Empress of India
554 Comorant Street, Victoria, BC
Wong Wah Lung's warehouse was located at 554 Cormorant St. (now Pandora) is located immediately, east of the Hip Lung Co. and Kwong On Tai Co. buildings in Victoria BC.500 Block Cormorant Street facing Northeast. with Wong Wah's Victoria warehouse at 554 visible as the lighter building halfway up the block, at the third telephone pole.
David Lew was a "lawyer" who the Chinese Times had branded as a "traitor the Chinese", and Rev. Thom had said "was not a moral man". Col. Percival of the Canadian Secret Service reported that Lew would be dead before Christmas.
The Rental Cabins, Steveston, BC
In 1899, The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) opened a free school, called the Lequn Yishu (Sociability Free School). Lee Mong Kow was one of the local merchants who helped raise funds for the school, and became its first principal, and served for 11 years. The school was located on the third floor of the first building of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) at 554-560 Fisgard Street.
IMAGE (right): Wong Wah Lung (front centre left) & Lee Mong Kow (front centre right) with the graduating class Lequn Yishu (Sociability Free School). c.1918. Wong Wah family archives.
Family Life, Vancouver & Victoria
Common among wealthy Cantonese merchants of his time, Wong Wah Lung took numerous wives. Wong Sing Sze and Wong Chin Sze were his 5th and 6th wives, respectively. They would bear him numerous children in Canada; but the total number of his children remains unclear, even to his family members. In 1928, a report from the Victoria Daily Times quoted a cousin, Chan Horne, who under in court and under oath humorously noted that Wong had so many children that he could not name them all. To this day the mystery of Wong Wah Lungs remains a point of intrigue for his descendants.
IMAGE: Wong Wah Lung with Chin Sze (Wife No. Six) and children (from left to right front row Rose and Lillian; back row James, Gilbert (with Chin Sze), William (With Wong Wah Lung) and Tim c. 1929. Wong Wah family archives)
Family Life, Vancouver & Victoria
\The Chinese theatre in Victoria was built of brick in 1885 in the block between Store and Government, Cormorant and Fisgard streets. It had been preceded by 4 other theatres and was not the largest, measuring only about seventy-three feet by thirty-two feet. The east side of the building could be accessed by Theatre Alley, a small lane running north from Cormorant Street.
Wong Wah Lung, General Merchant (1868 - 1964)
REFERENCES ON WONG WAH LUNG
aka. Wong Wa, Wong Wah, Wong Lung and Wah Lung; Wong Seong, Yue Ling and Jack Kow.
- [1] Chinese Immigration Service, Canadian Dept. of Immigration & Colonialization Head Tax Registration. June 25, 1924.
- [2] Wai, Hayne (2006). ‘Three Voices: A Wong Family Album in Finding Memories Tracing Routes. B.L. Worrall (ed.) CHINESE CANADIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF BC
- [3] ‘Big Profits in Chinatown’, Vancouver Daily World, June 2, 1908, page 7.
- [4] ‘Says $20,000 His Yearly Profit in Opium’. May 28, 1908 - Daily New Advertiser, page 3.
- [5] Lisa Rose Mar (2010).’ Brokering belonging: Chinese in Canada’s Exclusion Era’, Oxford University Press, Page 53.
- [6] ‘Fusilade of Eggs at Chinese Theatre - Actors Bombarded after Written Notice from Audience’. April 18, 1916 - Daily News Advertiser, page 2.
- [7] Charge That All Affidavits Were Forced - Taylor declares that David Lew was responsible’. Vancouver Daily World, January, 9, 1911, page 1 [8] McNicolls, S. “Deadman Centre Stage” in BC Murders: Notorious Cases and Unsolved Mysteries.
- [8] David Chuenyan Lai (2010). Chinese Community Leadership : Case study of Victoria in Canada - University of Victoria
IMAGE: Wong Wah Lung c. 1950 (Courtesy Wong Wah family archives).
Meet Our Team
Lang Juck's
Mark Johnson
Lang Juck's
During early 1990s Lang Juck’s great, great grandson and Wong Wah Lung’s grandson; who knew nothing of their connected history; met while attending University and became close friends. During this time when Marke Wong (Wong Wa’s grandson) was visiting Rupert Wong (Lang Juck’s great grandson) he met and was questioned about his family by
During early 1990s Lang Juck’s great, great grandson and Wong Wah Lung’s grandson; who knew nothing of their connected history; met while attending University and became close friends. During this time when Marke Wong (Wong Wa’s grandson) was visiting Rupert Wong (Lang Juck’s great grandson) he met and was questioned about his family by Tim Lang (Lang Juck’s son, Rupert's Grandfather). When Marke reported his father was Bill Wong; Tim smiled and said I know your Dad; and proceeded to inform both Marke and Rupert about the early days in Chinatown. His father Lang Juck and Wong Wah were close business associates and community leaders in the Chinese Board of Trade (CBT); and when Wong Wah Lung was arrested in 1928; his bail was posted by the Lang Juck and Wong Kong & Wong Jan Way. When Wong lost his appeal, he fled the jurisdiction and Lang Juck and others were called in for questioning. Grandfather Tim said he remembers that exact day because he was walking home from school, and he heard his Dad Lang Juck call him “Tim!”… from the window of the police station…
“Tim, tell mom I won’t be home for dinner tonight!”
Lang Juck c. July 1928
Jane Doe
Mark Johnson
Lang Juck's
As our program director, Jane oversees all of our events and educational programs. With a background in cultural anthropology and years of experience in event planning, Jane is passionate about creating meaningful and engaging experiences for our community.
Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson
Mark is our marketing and outreach coordinator, responsible for spreading the word about Wong Wah Society and engaging with our community. With a background in digital marketing and a passion for social justice, Mark is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all of our messaging.