Upcoming ZOOM Events
Reservations preferred by Wednesday, prior to the Saturday of the Month
November 7, 2020
Eugene W. Moy
Chinese American Legacies
of the
Foothills and Valleys
Chinese started migrating to the Americas more than 400 years ago, but the local presence began in the 1840’s. The California Gold Rush brought migrants from all over the world, including from China. Seeing opportunity in Southern California, many Chinese stayed, working for others and for themselves. Chinatowns were established in the foothills of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, supported by the large numbers of Chinese working for pioneers like Benjamin Wilson, Leonard Rose, E.J. “Lucky” Baldwin, and the Chaffey Brothers. Chinese labor enhanced not only the productivity of local agricultural enterprises, but ensured that local products could be packed and shipped nationwide over multiple railroad routes that were constructed with help from Chinese labor.
Local Chinatowns disappeared after the Chinese Exclusion Act period, which was in effect from 1882 to 1943. However, new immigration quotas after 1965 have led to a return of the Chinese population, contributing to new demographic and economic diversity. Images of the early growth, and rebirth, of the Chinese American community will be shared by Eugene Moy.
Local Chinatowns disappeared after the Chinese Exclusion Act period, which was in effect from 1882 to 1943. However, new immigration quotas after 1965 have led to a return of the Chinese population, contributing to new demographic and economic diversity. Images of the early growth, and rebirth, of the Chinese American community will be shared by Eugene Moy.
Eugene W. Moy is a native of Los Angeles Chinatown, a fourth generation Californian, and has been involved with public history and historic preservation since the 1970’s. He has been an active member of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California, the Chinese American Museum, and other organizations.
