Guide to the H. K. Wong Oral History Collection M2021
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
2019
Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford 94305-6064
specialcollections@stanford.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: H. K. Wong Oral History Collection
Creator:
Wong, H.K. (Henry Kwok)
Identifier/Call Number: M2021
Identifier/Call Number: 19155
Physical Description:
1 Linear Feet
(one carton: 6 open reel audiotapes, 58 audiocassettes)
Date (inclusive): 1966-1983, bulk 1975-1980
Abstract: Collection of oral histories about the history of Chinese immigrants in the American West conducted by H. K. Wong, as well
as recordings of radio programs interviewing Wong and others.
Conditions Governing Access
Open for research. Material from this collection has been digitized and is available in the Special Collections reading room.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Wesley Wong; 2014. Accession MSS 2014-057.
Biographical / Historical
Henry Kwock Wong (born April 29, 1907 in Portsmouth Square, San Francisco, died January 13, 1985 in San Francisco), better
known as H.K. Wong, was heavily involved in Chinatown's business and civic associations. Between 1957 and 1984 he worked for
associations such as the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (known as the "Six Companies") and Chinese Chamber of
Commerce. He was a journalist for many publications such as
Chinese Digest,
Chinese World,
East West, and
Asian Week. He was also a businessman: he owned several businesses including Ti-Sun Company Hardware & Furniture store, and the Polk
Pacific Building Supply Company, and was a co-owner of the Empress of China restaurant. Most importantly he was a founding
member and enthusiastic supporter of the Chinese Historical Society of America in 1963. Wong had a long standing interest
Chinese American history: along with friend William Hoy, he wandered through gold mining sites of the late 19th century, abandoned
Chinatowns, and old Chinese temples, often collecting artifacts that served as the foundation of the CHSA Museum's collection.
His great passion was doing oral interviews, something that was hardly done prior to the 1960s. He collected some of his favorite
interviews in
Gum Sahn Yun (Gold Mountain Men), published posthumously in 1987. Wong's contributions certainly did not go unnoticed. In 1978 he received the Jefferson Award
from the American Institute for Public Service and the
San Francisco Examiner named him one of the 101 most memorable San Franciscans for the 1887 to 1987 centennial year.
--adapted from https://chsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Bulletin-Summer2013.pdf
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], H. K. Wong oral history collection (M2021). Department of Special Collections and University Archives,
Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, California.
Scope and Contents
Collection of oral histories about the history of Chinese immigrants in the American West, as well as recordings of radio
programs interviewing Wong and others. The oral history interviews were conducted and recorded almost entirely by Wong himself
while traveling around California and the West, ostensibly for the Chinese Historical Society. Much of the information was
included in Wong's book
Gum Sahn Yun / Gold Mountain Men (https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/2292606). Participants were asked to discuss their families and experiences involving
immigration, work, and education.
Many interviews were recorded with the children of Chinese-American pioneer Ah Louis (who came to the United States in 1870)
and chronicle in detail both Louis family and San Luis Obispo history. Two members of the Louis family (George "Prince" Louis
and Helen Wong Jean Louis) had careers as vaudeville musicians, and several recordings feature solo and group performances.
Hugh Liang, another musician who was part of a touring vocal group known as the Chung Hwa Comedy Four, is also recorded both
in interviews and playing music with George Louis. Other notable conversations are with Senator Hiram Fong and cinematographer
James Wong Howe. Actor, art collector, and Chinatown emissary Ching Wah Lee is also on some of the radio programs.
Interviews are mostly in English with some in Chinese (Cantonese and possibly other southern dialects) and some in a
little of both. They are frequently introduced with dates and places by Wong. Recordings are interrupted by breaks, sometimes
for several minutes. Tapes were also re-used, and some evidence of prior content is audible. There are also speed issues,
probably due to battery depletion during recording.
Conditions Governing Use
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not
an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission
or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Chinese Americans -- History
Lee, Ching Wah, 1901-1980
Howe, James Wong
Fong, Hiram, 1906-2004
Louis, Ah, 1840-1936
Series 1. Louis family (San Luis Obispo)
Related Materials
Stanford Special Collections also holds a small collection of business records from the Ah Louis Store in San Luis Obispo:
http://www.oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8br8zq7/
carton 1, tape 001, Side B
Young Louis talks about the S.P.R.R. Cuesta Tunnels
July 23, 1980
M2021_b1_01
carton 1, tape 010
Young Louis, San Luis Obispo #1 #2 HKW
1979-03-02
M2021_b01_010
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW interviews Young Louis 3/23/79
carton 1, tape 011, Side A
Young Louis #3. San Luis Obispo
1979-03-27
M2021_b01_011
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW interviews Young Louis 3/27/79
carton 1, tape 011, Side B
Young Louis #3. San Luis Obispo
1979-04-02
M2021_b01_011
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. 4/2/79 HKW relates ceremony honoring Louises with citations read by Mrs. Wong Way Chu(?) ; HKW interview
with Young Louis, dub
carton 1, tape 012
Stella Louis #1 + #2. San Luis Obispo
1979-04-02
M2021_b01_012
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW interviews Stella Louis
carton 1, tape 013
Young Session #4
1979-04-02
M2021_b01_013
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. 4/2/79 HKW relates ceremony honoring Louises with citations read by Mrs. Wong Way Chu? ; HKW interview
with Young Louis
carton 1, tape 014
Toby Louis #1 + #2. San Luis Obispo
1979-04-02
M2021_b01_014
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW conversation with Professor Yen Lu Wong discussing Young & Stella in context of SF Chinatown cultural
event, grant ; 9:24 HKW interviews Howard "Toby" Louis, youngest son of Ah Louis.
carton 1, tape 015
Toby Louis #3 + #4. San Luis Obispo
1979-04-02
M2021_b01_015
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW interviews Toby Louis
carton 1, tape 016
Walter Louis #1 + #2. San Luis Obispo
1979-04-02
M2021_b01_016
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW interviews Walter Louis
carton 1, tape 034, Side A
Walt & Prince 4/1/79 Together Playing
1979-04-01
M2021_b01_034
Scope and Contents
Louis family. George & Walter Louis (& others?) play and sing standards & Hawaiian music
carton 1, tape 040
Helen Wong Jean
1979-07-24
M2021_b01_040
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW interviews Helen Wong Jean Louis
carton 1, tape 041
George Louis (Prince Wong), Ton W. Lee
1980-03-10
M2021_b01_041
Scope and Contents
HKW at lunch with Louis and Lee
carton 1, tape 042, Side B
George Louis (Prince) #3
1979-09-29
M2021_b01_042
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW interviews George Louis
carton 1, tape 043
Prince Wong/Waln - Geo Louis, Oswego, Oregon 10/9/1979. Prince + Co. Hawaiian Music Etc.
1979-10-09
M2021_b01_043
Scope and Contents
Louis family. George Louis and others playing Hawaiian music and standards - ukulele, electric guitar, singing ; break Side
A 29:58 - 37:30
carton 1, tape 044
Young Louis, Helen Wong Louis Jean, San Luis Obispo
1980-07-23
M2021_b01_044
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW interviews
carton 1, tape 045
Prince Waln (George Louis), Hugh Liang
1983-08-04
M2021_b01_045
Scope and Contents
Louis family. Music by George Louis with Hugh Liang (and others - singing, ukulele, piano) at Empress of China, informal jam
session of old standards
carton 1, tape 047
Young Louis, Stella Louis, Toby Louis, San Luis Obispo
1978-10-14
M2021_b01_047
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. Side A: 10/14/78, HKW narration, invited by Young & Stella Louis for Young's 85th birthday ; Side B:
interview with Young Louis, gap 17:10-36:40
carton 1, tape 048
Young & Stella Louis, San Luis Obispo, CA. 1st Time
1978-10-15
M2021_b01_048
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW interviews Young & Stella Louis
carton 1, tape 049, Side A
Young, Toby, Stella Louis Re: May 9/23/79 San Luis Obispo ; George Louis, (Prince), 104/79 Electric Organ, Tigard, Oregon
1979
M2021_b01_049
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW interviews Toby Louis ; HKW interviews George Louis ; George Louis plays organ
carton 1, tape 049, Side B
George Louis (Prince), Van & Gang : Musical Fun Lake Oswego, Oregon
1979-10-09
M2021_b01_049
Scope and Contents
Louis family. begins about 6:00, George Louis and others playing music and singing
carton 1, tape 050
George Louis (Prince)
1979-09-20
M2021_b01_050
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. HKW interviews George Louis 9/20/79
carton 1, tape 051
Story of Ah Louis & Chinese in California
1979-03-02
M2021_b01_051
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. San Luis Obispo County Historical Society 3/2/79. President Dan Creager introduces speech by Gene Smith
(Morris Eugene "Gene" Smith), followed by further remarks by Creager
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Louis, Ah, 1840-1936
carton 1, tape 054, Side A
Odds/Ends As Noted. H.K. on mike 1/19/79 Louis, San Luis Obispo 1915 ; 1/79 KGO H.K.
1979-01-19
M2021_b01_054
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. 1/19/79 HKW relates prior conversation with Stella & Young Louis re: driving to San Francisco ; music
; partial dub of HKW on radio ; other speaking
carton 1, tape 063
Helen Wong Jean. Program 7/79 #1 ; #2 Classic
1979-07-01
M2021_b01_063
Scope and Contents
Louis family history. Muffled off-air recording of TV documentary on Chicago Chinatown feat. Helen Wong Jean (Louis) ; Helen
Wong Louis playing piano
carton 1, tape 064
Helen Wong Jean - #1 Classic 7/80 ; #2 Pop
1980-07
M2021_b01_064
Scope and Contents
Louis family. Jean playing piano
Series 2. California - Marysville
carton 1, tape 019
Joe Kim, Bok Kai Temple Marysville #1 + #2 H. K. Wong
1979-04-06
M2021_b01_019
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Kim 4/6/79 in English and some Chinese
carton 1, tape 026, Side A
Bok Kai, Personal 4/6/79
1979-04-06
M2021_b01_026
Scope and Contents
HKW at Bok Kai Temple in Marysville with Joe Kim, and interview in Chinese and English
carton 1, tape 038
Joe Lung Kim Describes Deities
1979-04-06
M2021_b01_038
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Joe Lung Kim (b.1900), caretaker of Bok Kai Temple in Marysville 4/6/79
carton 1, tape 035
Joe Waugh Sr. 3/3/79 Preliminary Talk, H. K. Wong
1979-03-03
M2021_b01_035
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Waugh in Marysville, California in English and some Chinese
carton 1, tape 036
Joe Waugh Sr. 1 Side
1979-04-07
M2021_b01_036
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Waugh (b.1896) in Chinese
carton 1, tape 055
H. K. 3/4/79 About 2/2 Bomb Day, His Token of Good Luck
1979-03-04
M2021_b01_055
Scope and Contents
HKW relates trip to Marysville, 1957 Bomb Day
Series 3. California - North Bay (Sonoma, Napa)
carton 1, tape 021
Shuck Chan, Napa. Early Days, Uncle, Dad, Farm Days as Cook, Got Married, Bride to S.F., The Temple, Wagon Train
1979-03-10
M2021_b01_021
Scope and Contents
HKW interview with Chan (b. 1895) in English and a little Chinese
carton 1, tape 030, Side A
Fred Wing, Sonoma, Mrs. Wing
1978-12-02
M2021_b01_030
Scope and Contents
12/2/78 HKW interviews Fred Wing (Wing-Fon Tow, 1908-1993) in English and some Chinese, also his wife Nancy Wing (Man Sz Ng
b.1919) in Chinese
carton 1, tape 030, Side B
Wah Lee Ma, Sonoma [& Fred Wing in San Francisco]
1979-08-08
M2021_b01_030
Scope and Contents
"Great Grandma" interview/conversation in Chinese ; Boy Tow Lim(?) and others in Chinese, Sonoma ; San Francisco, Freddie
Wing follow-up interview in English and some Chinese 8/8/79
carton 1, tape 031, Side A
Sonoma - Lum
1982-04-13
M2021_b01_031
Scope and Contents
Conversation with unidentified historian in English re: Chinese in Sonoma 4/13/82
carton 1, tape 031, Side B
Sonoma - Lum
1982-04-13
M2021_b01_031
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews man (probably Lum Mu Fong?) and others in Chinese and some English in Sonoma, California
Series 4. California - Central Valley (Fresno, Bakersfield)
carton 1, tape 009, Side A
Bakersfield - Harold/Vy + other events ; HK's Rambling 1979 - Wes Letter to HK - Vi-Hal - Dan + Vy - 7/14/79 Bowl
1979
M2021_b01_009
carton 1, tape 017
Sing Lum, Bakersfield #1 HKW
1979-03-28
M2021_b01_017
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Sing Lum (b.1904), also his wife Mae in Bakersfield, California 3/28/79
carton 1, tape 018, Side A
Edith Jung, Bakersfield 3/29/1979
1979-03-29
M2021_b01_018
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Jung (b. 1911) in Bakersfield, California
carton 1, tape 024, Side B
Louie Kee, Wong, Chinese School
1969-04-13
M2021_b01_024
Scope and Contents
Chinese in Fresno, California. HKW, Wong, & Harold Lai, Jr.[?] interview Kee (b. 1881) in Chinese 4/13/69 ; interview with
Wong San Chong[?] in Chines
carton 1, tape 024, Side A
Charlie Wong '69 Fresno
1969-04-01
M2021_b01_024
Scope and Contents
Chinese in Fresno, California. Side A: HKW & Allen Wong interview Charles W. Wong (b. 1892) in Chinese and English 4/1/69
(noisy recording)
Series 5. California (Locke, Grass Valley, Weaverville)
carton 1, tape 020
Edward Tin Loy. H. K. Wong, Phil Choy. Grass Valley
1967-02-09
M2021_b01_020
Scope and Contents
2/9/67 HKW & Choy interview Tin Loy, 5th generation Chinese American, with some later HKW narration
carton 1, tape 025
Moon Lee #1 + #2
1979-12-15
M2021_b01_025
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Lee (b. 1903) in Weaverville, California 12/15/79
carton 1, tape 026, Side B
Moon Lee Continued
1979-12-15
M2021_b01_026
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Lee (b. 1903) in Weaverville, California 12/15/79
carton 1, tape 029, Side A
Peter Owyang re: Locke, HKW
1979-03-17
M2021_b01_029
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Owyang (b.1912) in or near Locke, California 3/17/79
carton 1, tape 022, Side A
Honolulu - Yim 4/4/81. Molokai - Chow 4/19/81
1981-04-19
M2021_b01_022
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Hung Chum(?) Yim (b.3/22/93) with wife, mostly in Chinese. Ends abruptly
carton 1, tape 022, Side B
Honolulu - Yim 4/4/81. Molokai - Chow 4/19/81
1981-04-04
M2021_b01_022
Scope and Contents
Mike Douglas Show ; 12:50 Clarence Chow interview
carton 1, tape 023, Side A
Honolulu Senator Hiram Fong 4/1981
1981-04-04
M2021_b01_023
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Fong, other speakers
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Fong, Hiram, 1906-2004
carton 1, tape 023, Side B
[big band performing at Monarch Room of Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki]
1981-04-04
M2021_b01_023
Scope and Contents
live performance of big band performing at Monarch Room of Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, chatter
Series 7. Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, Canada
carton 1, tape 027, Side A
N. K. Wong 7/23/79 Phoenix, 1st. 3 Minutes H. K. Comments ; N. K. Wong 2/19/80
1979-07-23
M2021_b01_027
Scope and Contents
HKW introduces and interviews Wong and his wife in Chinese and some English in Phoenix, Arizona
carton 1, tape 027, Side B
N. K. Wong 7/23/79 Phoenix, 1st. 3 Minutes H. K. Comments ; N. K. Wong 2/19/80
1980-02-19
M2021_b01_027
Scope and Contents
HKW introduces and interviews Wong and his wife in Chinese and some English in Phoenix, Arizona
carton 1, tape 028
Kee Brown, Astoria
1971-05-23
M2021_b01_028
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Kee Brown Wong in Astoria, Oregon 5/23/71 in English and some Chinese (runs very fast)
carton 1, tape 057
H. K. Wong Talk, Society Meeting, Denver Pioneers
1979-12-21
M2021_b01_057
Scope and Contents
12/21/79 HKW speech for Chinese Historical Society meeting re: Chinese in Colorado
carton 1, tape 059
Mrs. Charlie Quan Interviewed about 1979
circa 1979
M2021_b01_059
Scope and Contents
11/25/76, Sandy Nicholson interviews Quan (b.1889) in Toronto through interpreter
Series 8. Ton W. Lee (San Francisco)
carton 1, tape 009, Side B
Ton W. Lee
1979-05-28
M2021_b01_009
HKW & Dan Chu interview 80-year old Tan W. Lee re: immigration, Angel Island, education in China (runs fast)
HKW & Dan Chu interview 80-year old Tan W. Lee re: immigration, Angel Island, education in China (runs fast)
carton 1, tape 032
Ton W. Lee #1 + #2 SF 5/28/79 ; 7/15/79, 8/25/79
1979
M2021_b01_032
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Lee 7/15/79, resumes 8/24/79 at Empress of China
carton 1, tape 033, Side B
Ton W. Lee at Empress of China
1979-08-24
M2021_b01_033
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Lee re: PPIE, high school
carton 1, tape 034, Side B
1980 Ton W. Lee #4
1980-03-10
M2021_b01_034
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Ton W. Lee 3/10/80
Series 9. Radio & Television
carton 1, tape 003
Interview about the Empress of China restaurant in San Francisco
May 29, 1966
M2021_b2_01
Scope and Contents
Interviewer "Bill" talking with HKW about new San Francisco restaurant Empress of China, probably for radio program.
carton 1, tape 008
Copy of "News Radio Report's The Year of the Hare of The Celestial Rabbit" for H.K. Wong
M2021_b2_06
Scope and Contents
Several short radio pieces put together by KCBS NewsRadio in San Francisco about the beginning of the year of the hare in
February 1975. The new year celebrations in San Francisco are discussed. Dave Mackelhadden hosts, and actor/artist Ching Wah
Lee, businessman and community leader H. K. Wong, and former parade organizer Wayne Hu all provide soundbites on the various
pieces.
carton 1, tape 033, Side A
H. K. Wong, New Year, KGO Owen Spann 3/3/77 10:06 A.M. ; Ching Wah Lee 8/23/79 PBS
1977, 1979
M2021_b01_033
Scope and Contents
HKW short radio interview about Chinese New Year Parade ; part of documentary about Chingwah Lee (very muffled, quiet) ; brief
speaking in Chinese
carton 1, tape 042, Side A
HK in Los Angeles, KIEV 3/26/79
1979-03-26
M2021_b01_042
Scope and Contents
HKW on KIEV Los Angeles radio program with restaurant critic Paul Wallach
carton 1, tape 046
History of Chinese Painting ; 100th Anniversary of Chinese in America. From Walter Louis
M2021_b01_046
Scope and Contents
dubs of television documentaries, muffled
carton 1, tape 052
H.K. Wong PBD Sun, 5/14/78 2nd appearance: Start of Miss Chinatown USA 1958, Start of Chinatown NY, 1947 Tennis, 1953 Parade
; Memories PBD Sun 5/21/78. Ching Wah Lee: 1906 Fire, T3-Chinese Historical Society of America, Good Earth, Kong Chow Temple
1978-05
M2021_b01_052
Scope and Contents
"Memories" programs hosted by Harvey Wong, series in cooperation with Chinese Historical Society. Side A: guest HKW (dub elsewhere?)
; Side B: guest Chingwah Lee
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Lee, Ching Wah, 1901-1980
carton 1, tape 053
H. K. Wong KGO talk Sunday 9p-11p Bob Trebor
1978-06-11
M2021_b01_053
Scope and Contents
HKW radio interview in San Francisco
carton 1, tape 058
Buddy Hatton/H. K. Wong Chinese Food Interview. KSFO, Golden West Broadcasters
1982
M2021_b01_058
Scope and Contents
re: Empress of China, HKW one of "founding directors" interviewed by phone, circa 1982
carton 1, tape 060
H. K. on Owen Spann 1975 etc. KGO 6/25/75 9:05AM ; Taped Music
1975
M2021_b01_060
Scope and Contents
Side A: short HKW radio interview re: Asian Art Museum exhibit ; Side B: off-air recording of program about exhibit ; excerpts
of speech at opening of exhibit ; resumption of off-air recording ; music
carton 1, tape 061
H. K. Wong Interview KABL with Lorraine Louie, Host
1978-02-05
M2021_b01_061
Scope and Contents
"Interdimensions" radio program interviewing HKW & Chingwah Lee about Chinese New Year Celebration in San Francisco, ends
Side B 15:00 followed by beginning of different program (Lou Davis, "Opinions '78") about American Indian Movement
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Lee, Ching Wah, 1901-1980
carton 1, tape 004
"Speak Chinese" instruction by M. Gardner Tewksbury, voiced and recorded by Robert N. Tharp
December 27, 1956
M2021_b2_02
carton 1, tape 018, Side B
China Tape Gourmet Food Promotion This Side Only [commercial music recording]
1980-01-15
M2021_b01_018
Scope and Contents
Instrumental Chinese music
carton 1, tape 029, Side B
Empress of China Lunch, Bill + Naomi, Mom, Dora Lee, Young & Stella Louis
1980-01-20
M2021_b01_029
Scope and Contents
conversations at luncheon 1/20/80 ; HKW narration
carton 1, tape 037
James Wong Howe Interview
1975-11
M2021_b01_037
Scope and Contents
HKW interviews Wong Howe at noisy restaurant, probably Empress of China (runs fast and gets faster, ends 23:49) ; HKW family
celebrating New Year
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Howe, James Wong
carton 1, tape 039
Hugh Liang
1982-08-23
M2021_b01_039
Scope and Contents
starts 6:17 HKW interview with Hugh Liang (at Empress of China?), mentions signing release
carton 1, tape 054, Side B
Richard Fong
1979-05-13
M2021_b01_054
Scope and Contents
music etc. ; HKW interviews Richard Fong in Chinese
carton 1, tape 056
[illegible, on Ampex 60 minute, little content]
1980
M2021_b01_056
Scope and Contents
8/11/80 HKW attempt to record interview with C.K. (Creighton Kit?) Leong (b.3/29/98) - introduction only ; 3/27/81 follow-up
on Ruby Jan, passed away 12/80, interview with sister Mable - introduction only