Lem Kay
Credited to Shawna Ho.
Biography:
Lem Kay, a Hong Kong native, arrived in the United States at 21 years of age in 1867. He had only three years of schooling in China and left behind a wife, a son, and a daughter, in which was reported that he never saw again. Kay held a few different occupations in Los Angeles, including working for the railroad, as a gardener, as a farmer, and worked at the home of Senator del Valle. He eventually landed a job with Mr. Lucky Baldwin at the Baldwin Ranch in Arcadia, CA where he worked as a ranch hand between the years of 1890 and 1909. Kay primarily worked in the fields as a field hand, directly handing flora and produce. It is likely he worked specifically in the vineyards, where there were about 700 acres of grape vines with numerous varieties. In 1906, Kay was confirmed with a case of Melancholia, spiraling in a parlaying anxiety causing him to not talk or have anything to do with his relatives or friends. He was admitted into an asylum, and it was reported that he received a letter from a relative in China, warning him to save more money and to be a better man- in which Kay mentally and emotionally sank. Kay befriended the McCracken’s, and lived in a small house on their property in Gardena since the early 1920’s. He passed away around the age of 95.
Credited to Shawna Ho.
The Collection:
A variety of Kay’s personal artifacts were donated to the LA County Arboretum in 1873 by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis McCracken in efforts to preserve Kay’s story and livelihood at the Baldwin Ranch. The collection includes: Lem Kay’s picture, pipes, a pouch, some Chinese pottery, clothing, a photograph of his wife, a cigar box full of letters written in Chinese, and game pieces. Although the collection resides at the Arboretum, the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is currently working to translate the Lem Kay Letters from Chinese to English to futher capture Lem Kay's story, to conserve narratives, and to continue to learn from the life of a Chinese immigrant. These letters explore hardships and the harsh realities that existed back in China, and both the dilemma's and pressures put in place to those in the United States at this time. This work aligns with our mission of preserving and communicating knowledge of this history, to learn from the past for future users, uses, and recollections.
The Letters, accompanied by translations:
Envelope 25-7 T
Special note
I have arrived at my youngest son's home. Chun sister in law's property is at Yeung Go Chong. It has not been returned in a long time. Ever since Yang Gu Chang has died, the money has not been returned. Chun sister in law does not want anyone to owe her money. She wants to get the money back with interest. When you see this note immediately return the money. Most importantly, the deadline is September or October. If it is late, it will be very hard to explain. Sister in law gossips a lot. When you see this note, please return the money so we can avoid complications.
Envelope 24-7
De Ji,
Dear brother, my father and I, old age but very happy and peacefully. Yesterday, I went home, mother and I had a good talk. The problem is we don't have enough food, no reserves. What can I do? I looked at her living is very light. I gave her a couple of grains of rice. So brother, since you are away from here, please try to save money and send here. I am not joking, it is a serious situation. We are so close, that is why I open my mouth to let you know.
Respectively,
Ge Qing
Tian Port
Envelope 22-3
The letter show the little boy. You know the old time, the pork meat, three portions take home. I wish you understand now. We are teaching Chun Ji to read a poem but have no money for his education and food. So I am letting you know, help me. March and April, two months, send the money here for food and education. If you don't have money and don't pay me, don't think about going back. Please don't listen to other people talking. The day before yesterday, go to the De Zun home to asked the people for some money. They didn't want to pay back. I want to take the money back, please give me the money. They for the marriage, I have no money in my hands. I went to the house to ask for the money, but they didn't give it to me. Your father-in-law came home from San Francisco. We are many years friend so he donated so fee for the marriage. I have no money to ask you to come back. They refuse the daughter to marry your son. A couple of days ago, you were in your in-law's house begging for some money, give you 4 ounces of silver, please give me money so you can have a wedding. I am sick at home, whatever money you have, please give to us. The day before yesterday, I asked your father-in-law for money for April expense. You have to give me some money for the wedding. Mother is sick at home. Mark how much is for the wedding and how much is for mother.
Mother Soo Hoo Xie
Mid-February
Chong Hua Ji, Tian Xin recieved
References:
Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Graphic credited to Shawna Ho, CHSSC UC Riverside Intern
Lem Kay Collection Write-up from the LA County Arboretum
Lem Kay Courthouse Notes document
The Los Angeles Times article, 1990, "The Lives of Two Very Different Men- Millionaire..."
Mary Forney's Blog, "Lucky Baldwin's Winery at Santa Anita"