Post by NZBC on Jun 12, 2007 19:16:56 GMT 12
"Gum San," in the mother tongue of mainland China, means "golden mountain." These were the words the Chinese used to describe the United States. Their dream of America was of a country where life was good, food abundant, and prosperity available for those brave enough to emigrate to the new land.
Early Chinese immigrants in the Imperial Valley mainly were from southern China, originating in the southern Kwong Tong province next to Hong Kong and the Pacific Ocean. Most of these people were poor farmers from rural villages many days journey from the nearest metropolitan area.
Entire clans from villages came together and worked together in the new land. First, the patriarchs arrived. These older members, more worldly and wise, established joint business ventures. Later, younger men and boys were sent to supply the strong backs needed to toil long hours in the new ventures. The hard work, harsh weather and tribulations they faced were tolerated because, combined with the dream of bettering themselves, they were among friends and relatives.
At first these immigrants were viewed as poor bank risks. They had neither business training nor experience and lacked credit. Nevertheless, determined to succeed, they pooled financial assets and entered the business world.
Many of these early immigrants were attracted to food service businesses. After all, if you were from a starving country, naturally you would be attracted to a business dealing in food! Initially these businesses were medium-sized grocery stores: the Hong Kong Market (1920), the Central Food Market (1930) and later the New Star Food Markets (1948). All were managed and owned basically by the Mah or Mar clans of immigrants from the Hoi San village in Canton, China.
Some branched out into such restaurants as the Dragon Inn, New Canton Cafe, thingy's Cafe, Tommy's Inn, Holly's Cafe, The Asia Cafe, Bill's Cafe and Mah's Kitchen. Other grocery stores followed, including the Pine Market, Desert Food Center, Union Food Market, National Market, Sunrise Market, College View Market, George's Market and the Capital Market. Other smaller families started farming operations; Louie Toy Farms and Ed Chew Farms for example. One family went into the poultry business, the El Centro Poultry Market, which later became the EDM Market.
These businesses provided basic grocery staples to the early Valley residents plus innovative services such as credit for groceries, check cashing privileges, emergency loans, money orders, early fast foods, Chinese food-to-go, and free home delivery.
As these businesses prospered, the Chinese helped develop the economic base and ethnic diversity which is such a fundamental part of the Imperial Valley's success.
Early Chinese immigrants in the Imperial Valley mainly were from southern China, originating in the southern Kwong Tong province next to Hong Kong and the Pacific Ocean. Most of these people were poor farmers from rural villages many days journey from the nearest metropolitan area.
Entire clans from villages came together and worked together in the new land. First, the patriarchs arrived. These older members, more worldly and wise, established joint business ventures. Later, younger men and boys were sent to supply the strong backs needed to toil long hours in the new ventures. The hard work, harsh weather and tribulations they faced were tolerated because, combined with the dream of bettering themselves, they were among friends and relatives.
At first these immigrants were viewed as poor bank risks. They had neither business training nor experience and lacked credit. Nevertheless, determined to succeed, they pooled financial assets and entered the business world.
Many of these early immigrants were attracted to food service businesses. After all, if you were from a starving country, naturally you would be attracted to a business dealing in food! Initially these businesses were medium-sized grocery stores: the Hong Kong Market (1920), the Central Food Market (1930) and later the New Star Food Markets (1948). All were managed and owned basically by the Mah or Mar clans of immigrants from the Hoi San village in Canton, China.
Some branched out into such restaurants as the Dragon Inn, New Canton Cafe, thingy's Cafe, Tommy's Inn, Holly's Cafe, The Asia Cafe, Bill's Cafe and Mah's Kitchen. Other grocery stores followed, including the Pine Market, Desert Food Center, Union Food Market, National Market, Sunrise Market, College View Market, George's Market and the Capital Market. Other smaller families started farming operations; Louie Toy Farms and Ed Chew Farms for example. One family went into the poultry business, the El Centro Poultry Market, which later became the EDM Market.
These businesses provided basic grocery staples to the early Valley residents plus innovative services such as credit for groceries, check cashing privileges, emergency loans, money orders, early fast foods, Chinese food-to-go, and free home delivery.
As these businesses prospered, the Chinese helped develop the economic base and ethnic diversity which is such a fundamental part of the Imperial Valley's success.
