Earliest photo of Kam Wah Chung/Chinatown surfaces
By Logan Bagett on Monday, December 5th, 2022 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY – Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site Curator Don Meritt swung by KJDY/News 102 Studios in John Day recently and informed listeners that a new photo has surfaced, depicting the Kam Wah Chung building and Chinatown of John Day. He said it was likely taken in the 1890’s:
“On Facebook and other areas a brand new photograph has come to light in the last week or so, and that is the earliest photo we have of Kam Wah Chung. It’s dated in 1902—I think it’s actually earlier than that, because the information we have does not show that building without that second floor [in 1902].
This is a photograph without the second floor on there, which puts it maybe mid-to-late 1890’s.”
Meritt said the museum and state heritage site are closed for the winter season, and will reopen in May, 2023.
Visit the Friends of Kam Wah Chung Facebook page to keep up with events and information.
