John Day, OR - Herbal time portal

Where to begin and there’s a cemetery to pay tribute to our ancestors.

There is still a great deal of research remaining on the history of the Kam Wah Chung & Company. Over time, more will reveal this interesting relic in the middle of the Oregon mountains. The location can only be reached by car and be sure to have a full tank before you venture on this road trip. There are so few herbal practice buildings remaining that in many ways, this is worth the trip.

This particular Chinese medical clinic, general store, community center and residence, Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum gives you an incomparable glimpse into the past. This National Historic Landmark, includes the building museum and interpretive center.

Built in 1865 as a trading post became home to two Chinese immigrants: Ing “Doc” Hay and Lung On in 1888. Lung On was the general store proprietor and a businessman, while “Doc” Hay was a practitioner of herbal medicine. For over 60 years the building was a social, medical, and religious center for Oregon’s Chinese community.

The most important part of our trip was the opportunity to pay tribute to our ancestors. Nearby, there is a cemetery with four headstones.