Oregon Mining History and its People
The gold mines of Oregon were mined by the Chinese in the 1800′s and a small town of John Day was the home to many of them.
The need for medical care, supplies and conversation were part of the Kam Wah Chung trading posts daily routine when miners gathered to share their experiences, or to get the medical help they needed from Doc Hay. Doc Hay had a supply of over 500 herbs used to treat every known ailment, all kept in the apothecary which had iron bars over the windows to keep unwanted “guests” out.
Volcanic tuff which was quarried locally provided the foundation and first level of the building while the second story was built using pine wood planking. With time the building became worn and weathered, but the history connected to the building teaches us about the life and times of the Chinese workers in the 1800′s in small John Day.
Two men, Doc Hay and Lung On owned the building but were not selfish with their home, they opened the doors to relatives, travelers and indigent workers that needed shelter for a time. In the 1940′s this ceased, times had changed.
Today the Kam Wah Chung Museum shares the wealth of history about Oregon and the Chinese population by displaying Chinese art work, the tour of the building with its 7 different rooms including the bunkhouse, two bedrooms, the general store area, the kitchen, stockroom, herb room and medical room. Not a lot of space to house the many people that crossed its threshold but still a home, where care was given and history created.
The Museum is open from May 1 – September 30 for your enjoyment. The hours are from 9 – 5 seven days a week during this time. The Museum is handicap accessible.
Located on NW 1st Ave. in John Day, Oregon this Museum will take you on a trip through history. They would love to have you visit so mark it on your route.
