In the Field: Photo Blog by Richard Wong

Photography field reports by Richard Wong. Richard’s work has been published in magazines, books, advertising, and offers fine art prints of his work. Images may be licensed as rights-managed stock photos by contacting Richard directly at Richard@rwongphoto.com or (626) 422-6151. California stock photography, fine art prints, photo blog: www.rwongphoto.com

Chinese Family Association, San Francisco

Posted on | June 16, 2008 | 8 Comments

Yee Fung Toy Family Association, San Francisco, California Photo: Yee Fung Toy Family Association, San Francisco, California

When the Chinese first started immigrating to California during the Gold Rush, most did not speak English. This made it difficult for them to assimilate into society. Combined with the racial discrimination of the time, immigrants needed to form family associations in order for protection. This eventually became The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, more commonly known as the Chinese Six Companies. Individually, the Chinese were weak, but as a group the associations were quite powerful politically.

Fast-forward 150 years later, family associations still exist to help immigrants out when they come to the U.S., and are typically a place where the older generation of Chinese socializes. San Francisco’s Chinatown has many family associations, as well as the Los Angeles Chinatown. I would like to have posted a picture of the Wong family association, but I didn’t know where it was.

See more of my San Francisco pictures.

Category: California, San Francisco
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Comments

8 Responses to “Chinese Family Association, San Francisco”

  1. Anonymous
    July 11th, 2008 @ 2:22 am

    I like your photo. Here is photo of my wife’s grandfather’s ancestor house. He returned to China with eight daughters after working on the American railroads, owned a sugar cane factory, and also until he died was part owner of a restaurant in San Francisco. He must have been affiliated with this Chinese family association. The link to our photos of his house in China is: http://www.childtalk.com/History/fungclanresearch.html
    Sincerely
    KJC

  2. Richard Wong
    July 11th, 2008 @ 9:41 am

    Those are some great photos, KJC. Do you know what area of China this is? Probably the same as grandparents I’m guessing.

  3. soo yuen
    March 7th, 2009 @ 12:38 am

    If your still looking for the Wong’s Family Association in SF. It on Waverly, next to the Bing Kung Assn. Just look for Uncle Rest. on Waverly and Clay. Its just down the street.

  4. Richard Wong
    March 7th, 2009 @ 1:09 am

    Thanks Soo Yuen. I’ll keep that in mind the next time I’m in town.

  5. Donald Wong
    September 2nd, 2009 @ 1:18 pm

    Hello,

    I am meeting a friend in Hong Kong. Will be flyng out of SFO next Friday, Sept. 11.

    My friend was kind enough to offer to assist me in finding my father’s village. It is pronounced “Num Hung” (in Hoi San dialect). Any suggestions/recommendations as to how best to find my father’s village is greatly appreciate.

    A separate issue has to do with safety. A couple of people have warned me to be careful. Is it a valid concern? We plan to hire a driver once we reach mainland China. How does one go about finding a driver? Lastly, it is likely that we will need to stay overnight. Any recommendation as which hotel(s) to stay?

    Much thanks.

    Respectfully yours,
    Donald Wong
    wongdonald2004@yahoo.com

  6. Richard Wong
    September 2nd, 2009 @ 5:57 pm

    Hi Donald. I have never been to China but as far as finding a driver / translator you can probably ask any hotel concierge for advice or go to a consulate. They typically refer to these people as “fixers”. If you speak the language then asking around about your village will probably lead you in the right path.

  7. KJC
    August 28th, 2010 @ 11:17 pm

    Hi,

    I’m a year late but to respond to your question, Richard, the Fung ancestral house is in Zaobei (Chopui) a village that is now part of the city of Zhuhai adjacent to Macao. Instead of Zupu the family had wooden plates hanging in the house with the names of 13 ancestors. During the cultural revolution these plates were burned by the Guards for firewood.
    Sincerely
    KJC

  8. Richard Wong
    August 29th, 2010 @ 2:03 pm

    That’s interesting to know, KJC. My family is from a different region but either way, I should go see China for myself at some point.

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