Comments on: The Vanishing Chinese Grocery Store & Chef Martin Yan

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 19:29:55 +0000

Finally visited the AHS Wells Fargo museum downtown and saw the small exhibit about 400 Chinese who stayed in Tucson after working on the Southern Pacific railroad. They first began to grow produce, then opened up these grocery stores, such as the Don Kim and Lee Hop. A photo of the Lee Quin sign is included in the artifact dsplay.

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:18:17 +0000

Thanks Jimmy for posting. I know your Mom, sister Josie and brother Les, and know how hard you all worked to make your family grocery store a success.

By: Jimmy Gin

Jimmy Gin — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:12:49 +0000

Being a member of the Ling’s Market family, my Father Ling and his wife Kay, like many other Chinese in Tucson, tried to make a living and raise their families in a Tucson. My Father served proudly in WW II, like many other Chinese Fathers in Tucson . I am proud and so very lucky my parents came to Tucson and started their businesses. My siblings were able to attend local schools and also the University of AZ. Thanks Mom and Dad.

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 20:06:22 +0000

Interesting morning of lectures on the history of Chinese immigration in the SW and over on the other side in Mexico, the Chinese Exclusion laws (1882 to 1943) and the “hidden unknown history” of Chinese grocers. The local Tucson panel consisted of Patsy Lee, Tony Lee, and Mary Wong, followed by a fascinating talk by filmmaker Cheuk Kwan about 15 Chinese restaurants around the world and the life stories behind the owners. About 200 people were in attendance for the morning session.

By: Andy Morales

Andy Morales — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 06:38:49 +0000

My grandfather was an accountant for the family that ran the El Grande markets. He was sometimes paid with bags of rice and other food.

We used to go to the one on the south side when we were young. Good memories.

By: Carolyn Classen

Carolyn Classen — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:22:06 +0000

Thanks Fraser007. I will check it out when I am downtown next week.

By: Fraser007

Fraser007 — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:58:41 +0000

There is also an exhibit about the Chinese Groceries at the history museum at the Wells Fargo Bank across from the Main Library. It has some artifacts too. I saw it when I was downtown last week.