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.
Kam Wah Chung Trading Post was the central gathering place for the miners at the end of a long day. Here they could compare their day with other miners, get treated for the ailments they had with Doc Hay providing the herbs necessary to resolve their problems. With a supply of over 500 herbs Doc Hay was able to provide nearly everything known to treat many problems for the miners. The herbs were so precious that they were kept in the apothecary which was secured with iron bars over the windows.
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.
Open seven days a week from May 1 - September 30 you can visit the Museum from 9 - 5 where questions can be answered and tours given.
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.