Wing Chong Company Grocery & Squid Industry Records, 1918-1936

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Summary

Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
1.0 linear ft.; file folders; 7 bound volumes
Language:
Preferred citation:

Wing Chong Company Grocery & Squid Industry Records. Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives

Background

Scope and content:

Organized into two series: record books and file records and arranged chronologically within each unit.

Biographical / historical:

The Wing Chong Company bought squid caught by local fishermen, established drying operations, and sold the dried squid to suppliers in Hong Kong and Vancouver, British Columbia. The fish boat owners, organized as the Monterey Sardine Fishermen Association, fished for and sold squid to Yee after fishing for sardines. In fact, Yee's squid operation was second only to sardines in Monterey's fishing economy. Yee arranged for the precious dried squid to be shipped to San Francisco, where the Wing Chong Company enlisted an exporter to handle shipping overseas. According to W. L. Scofield in a California Fish and Game report, "The profits made from drying and shipping squid to China are commonly credited with being fairly large, but exact figures are not available." This collection provides documentation, which helps to fill this gap. Yee Won established his store in 1918 on Ocean Avenue west of the McAbee Beach Chinatown. Yee named his store and company, Wing Chong or "Glorious, Successful." The store, catering mainly to cannery workers, sold food, notions, and equipment, including fishing tackle and rubber boots. Yee also established a squid drying operation in 1924. With fewer Chinese fishermen available in the 1920s, Yee began buying squid from Sicilian fishermen. He paid eight dollars per ton for squid at the wharf. The Wing Chong Company bought squid by local fishermen, established drying operations, and sold the dried squid to suppliers in Hong Kong and Vancouver, British Columbia. The fishing boat owners, organized as the Monterey Sardine Fishermen Association, fished for and sold squid to Wing Chong Company after fishing for sardines. Yee's squid operation became second only to sardines in Monterey's fishing economy. Won Yee leased land from T. A. Work on the Monterey-Salinas highway (Highway 68) across from the Monterey airfield. He hauled fresh squid to the drying fields located on this acreage, commonly known as Tarpey Flats, where the squid were soaked in brine and spread on the ground to dry. Both Chinese and non-Chinese employees were hired to work for twenty-five cents per hour. Drying took from twelve to fifteen days. Won Yee also created equipment to clean dirt and straw from the dried squid and then compress them into tight bales. By 1932, the economic depression and shifting markets had diminished the squid market. Then, on February 21, 1934, Won Yee died. Won Yee's son, Yock "Jack" Hing Yee, and his long-time business partner, C. L. Sam, continued to run the market on Cannery Row. Won and Yock Yee, along with the grocery store, served as inspiration for Lee Chong and his market in John Steinbeck’s novel Cannery Row.

Acquisition information:
Gift

Access and use

Restrictions:

By appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.

Terms of access:

Reproduction by Local History Librarian or designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of material.

Preferred citation:

Wing Chong Company Grocery & Squid Industry Records. Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives

Location of this collection:
625 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940, US
Contact:
(831) 646-2091
libchr@monterey.gov
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