The Chinese in Western America dug for gold and built roads to find their roots. The "Three Ports" Marysville 7

Arizona Chinese Historical Association Zhang Zhaohong On the morning of October 11, we went to Marysville, which was once known as...

Arizona Chinese Historical Association Zhang Zhaohong On the morning of October 11, we went to Marysville, which was once known as the "Golden Country". It was prosperous during the gold rush era, and its size was second only to San Francisco, known as the "Big Port", and Sacramento, known as the "Second Port". In the early years, the Chinese called Marysville the "Three Ports". During the anti-Chinese period, most of the Chinese communities in San Francisco and Sacramento were set on fire, smashed and driven away. Many Chinese came to the "Three Bu", which was still an agricultural area at the time, to pray for the protection of their ancestors and gods to avoid disasters. Bok Kai Temple was the first temple visited during this tour. It was located in the center of Chinatown and was also the meeting hall of the Chinese at that time. The Beixi Ancient Temple was built by the first batch of Chinese who came to California to seek gold. It has a history of nearly 170 years. It has been included in the "American Landmarks" and has become one of the 11 protected historical sites in the United States. [Photo] Group photo in front of Beixi Temple. Photography by Li Su. The author recorded several couplets on the pavilion in front of Beixi Temple. One of the couplets says: The prosperity of North America is due to the co-creation of our overseas Chinese. There is no flood in Xixiang. It is all due to the power of the emperor. Bei Khe Temple has many items left by the Chinese ancestors, such as clothes, three-inch golden lotus shoes, and hats woven from straw and reeds. They can be immersed in water. When exposed to the sun, the water evaporates to dissipate heat and protect them from rain. We also saw coir raincoats, tools, various cold weapons, etc. [Photo] Display of women's clothing Photography Li Su [Photo] Antique furniture [Photo] Various hats [Photo] Coir raincoat You can imagine the diligence and hard work of the Chinese ancestors at that time. Not only did they fight against the sky and the earth, but they also had to avoid all kinds of discrimination and persecution, but in the end they still built a world of their own. As the couplet says: "The prosperity of North America depends on our fellow overseas Chinese." Since the late 1870s, the Chinese in Marysville have held a grand festival every year on the day when the dragon raises its head. The earliest dragon was custom-made and shipped by sea from China in 1878, reportedly costing $7,000. The festive dragon dance is a big event. Many Chinese in other Chinatowns do not have this ability, which shows how prosperous the Chinese community here was back then. [Photo] The giant dragon brought from China. I took these photos in the temple and saw another look of the Chinese laborers back then: they twisted their braids and crossed their big hands. Their courage and battle were indeed much stronger than we imagined! [Photo] Chinese dragon dance team. Various gods and Huatuo are enshrined in the temple, and people worship them. At that time, many Chinese specially prepared incense, candles, golden pigs and other three animal sacrifices to return to the gods and make wishes, and prayed for fortune sticks to pray for "blessing me and good fortune". (Bless us happiness) [Photo] Plaque from the ninth year of Guangxu (1883) [Photo] [Photo] Unique image of the Eight Immortals [Photo] Various gods and figures The Bei Xi Ancient Temple overlooks the river. It is said to have been protected by the gods. Floods encountered in the past caused serious damage to other places, but the town was safe and sound. Therefore, the couplet above reads: "There is no flood in Xi Township, and it is all due to the power of the Emperor." There are also a large number of information and pictures in the museum, reflecting the oppression and discrimination of the Chinese by white people. These materials are explained in Chinese and English. Here are a few paragraphs: "1864 January In September, the Central Pacific Railroad Company was composed of 21 Chinese individuals." "In June 1867, Chinese railway workers went on an eight-day strike to protest unfair wages. Compared with whites, Chinese wages were 30% to 50% lower for the same job, and they usually worked in more difficult and dangerous positions." “1870s: Anti-Chinese Movement – ​​Due to severe unemployment problems and racism, union leaders launched strong protests against Chinese immigrants, were blamed for low wages and unemployment among Americans, and were accused of moral corruption.” ......... The highlight moment for this group group is to introduce an old Beijinger named Li Su. Most of the group photos taken during the trip were taken by him, and many of the close-ups are also his works of art. Li Su said that he is proud to serve everyone. We are all very grateful to Brother Li. Once when we were taking a group photo, I asked him to take a seat and clicked the shutter button with his camera. This is the neatest group arrangement ever, and it may be the only photo of Brother Li Su in a large group. It also makes me proud. As a member of the Arizona Historical Society, it is my task to take photos and collect information, but I will quote Brother Li’s good photos in the article and write his name respectfully. [Photo] Group "positive" photo (Xuanfo City) [Photo] Brother Li Su took a photo in the "China Alley"