Items · Southern California Chinese American Oral History Project

Barbara Jean Wong in the center of photo with two boys behind her on either side standing for photo. Taken in the early 1940s.

Barbara Jean Wong accepting a trophy

Barbara Jean Wong accepting an award in the early 1940s. She is wearing her majorette costume.

Barbara Jean Wong holding trophy

Barbara Jean Wong accepting an award in the early 1940s. She is wearing her majorette costume. The photo is signed "Quillen Los Angeles" in the bottom right.

Luke Chang and Tom Gubbins

News clipping with photograph of Luke Chang dressed as a Japanese soldier and Tom Gubbins. Article in: "For years, thousands of Chinese along the California coast have looked up to Tom Gubbins (right) as their elder statesman and spiritual guide. He's the unofficial mayor of Los Angeles' Chinese colony, known to every inhabitant as "Tom Sook," which in Chinese means Uncle Tom. A Shanghai born son of an Irish father, British mother, he operates a large shop of Chinese costumes and curios but he spends most of his time counseling Chinese friends. They come to him about their domestic troubles, passport photos, hospital arrangements for expectant mothers. But probably his biggest service is acting as the No. 1 spokesman for the Chinese in Hollywood movie studios, where he advises on Oriental casting. Recently, with a rash of Japanese villains, Tom Sook has been on a spot trying to persuade his Chinese to step into the hated enemies' shoes. At first, all the money in ... were persuaded when he (pouted?) but that they'd really be helping China by portraying Jap villainy. But, like Luke Chang, album with Tom Sook below, most Chinese made one stipulation: The Japs they play on the screen must come to a fitting, bloody end."

Lung Kong Tin Yee Association building

A straight on shot of the Lung Kong Tin Yee Association building in the early 1940s. The building is two stories and has a balcony on the upper level. The balcony is decorated with flags, including an American flag in the middle, and there is a large banner that reads "Welcome to Lung Kong Ten Yee Society." There is also a large flag on top of the building and a sign over the front door that reads "Welcome." The building was located at 425 1/2 North Los Angeles Street. On the left side of the picture, the edge of the Garnier building is visible. In front of the Lung Kong Tin Yee building, several men are carrying a ladder. There is a one-story building on the right side of the photograph with a striped awning. There are parked and driving cars in the foreground of the image.

Mabel and George Lew with family outside Fong Chop Suey Parlor

George and Mabel Lew (wearing dark dress) stand with Mabel's sisters outside of their restaurant, Fong Chop Suey, on Western Avenue by Vernon Avenue. The restaurant has an advertisement for "real fried shrimp" over the front door and a large hanging sign with the restaurant name on it. Benny's Shoe Shop is visible on the right side of the photograph.

Meat counter, Wing's Market Salinas CA

Interior of Wing's Market, with worker behind the meat counter.

Mei Wah Club at Moon Festival, early 1940s, Los Angeles

Barbara Jean Wong leads the drum corps in the parade.

Mei Wah Club Drum Corps in parade

Mei Wah Club Drum Corps in formation for parade in Los Angeles in the early 1940s.

Mei Wah Club Drum Corps in parade

Mei Wah Drum Corps marching through parade with onlookers on both sides of the path in early 1940s.

Mei Wah Club Drum Corps on stage

Pictured in the early 1940s.

Mei Wah Club Drum Corps on stage

Pictured in the early 1940s.

Mei Wah Club Drums Corp in night parade

Taken in early 1940s.

Mei Wah Drum Corps posing for photo with Barbara Jean Wong at lead

Originally formed to perform at war relief functions, the Mei Wah Girls Drum Corps went on to become very popular in Los Angeles, winning awards for their skill. - Peter Soo Hoo, Jr. Photo taken in the early 1940s.

Mei Wah Drum Crops in parade

Mei Wah Drum Corps marching in parade through Los Angeles lead by Barbara Jean Wong in the right of photo. Taken in the early 1940s.

Mei Wah Drum Crops in parade

Mei Wah Drum Corps marching in parade through Los Angeles lead by Barbara Jean Wong in center of photo. Taken in the early 1940s.

View of Rice Bowl Restaurant

View of Rice Bowl Restaurant in New Chinatown Central Plaza. A high striker carnival game stands in the foreground next to a group of people on a bench. Tuey Far Low Restaurant stands in the background on the right.