Chop Suey Stories: The Peace Region Chinese Community memories

Our next group of posts will be featuring stories and snippets that have been gathered as a result of our current exhibit: Chop Suey on the Prairies.


From the Peace River Record Gazette, May 27, 1938:

Chong Had Birthday - and Celebrated

"Friday, May 20, was Chong's birthday. Although Chong was born in China a considerable number of years ago, he is certain he has folded back at least forty years of his sojurn on earth, half of which has been spent in Canada, and six years in Peace River.
Chong figured his age this year at forty, as that was the number of his friends, who as his guests, sat down to a very elaborately arranged and enticingly prepared birthday dinner at the Chong Café. Next year Chong expects to celebrate his fiftieth birthday, and plans on having fifty guests.
U. Adams as toastmaster very fittingly described the varied handicaps encountered by Chong since making Canada his home, and his method of overcoming those handicaps.
Radio station CFGP, the Voice of the Mighty Peace, made everyone assembled prick up their ears when felicitations for Chong came over the air. At this stage "Grandpa" who is plenty tough, expressed the hope that his friend Chong will continue for many years and not run out of birthdays. All assembled agreed that Chong is a jolly good fellow."

If you wish to contribute your own story to the growing narrative of the Chinese community in the Peace Region, you can comment here on our blog, come in and see the exhibit or contact the museum at museum@peaceriver or 780-624-4261.