New York City, NY - 30 Mott Street

In 1763, the area that became New York City’s Chinatown was just behind burial grounds on the King’s Farm. The area continued to be marsh land and ran along the sewer lines by 1865. Most building types in Chinatown were tenements constructed in the early 1820-1830’s (i.e. townhouses, factories, loft buildings, utility buildings, club houses, former stables, churches, and schools). Tenement buildings became the primary form of housing in New York City until the 1920s and are still used today but referred to as “pre-war”. These buildings are flat-roofed and square with small or windowless apartments. Some stories even recall people sleeping on the fire escapes during the hot summer months. On the Westcoast these unfavorable style homes are said to have Chinese tunnels beneath them, creating folklore overshadowing the Chinese communities historic achievements.

However, it is no surprise HJC discovered great grand uncle, Chu (Chew) Hoy who lived at 30 Mott Street in New York City. Over the years, Mr. Chew’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file would be widely used in Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America, National Archives Foundation and much more. The pictures in his case file are stunning.

The early pioneers of the Chew family mostly operated Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal practices with a general merchandise goods store. Typically, two separate stores adjacent to one another.  趙 Cousin, Chu Hoy arrived in America in 1882 with an uncle. Like all Chew family members, he worked for a period of time, saved his money and invested in a General Merchandise store called the Kwong Sun Chong Company located at 30 Mott Street, New York City, #NY #趙 At the MOCA there is a wonderful herbalist exhibit inside.

Per tradition, Mr. Chew would be matched with the Chin clan. He married Chin Hong Sze with bounded feet which was customary for the Chew women until their adoption of Christianity in America. Moreover, Hoy’s eldest son was Chin A. Chiao, followed by Chin Po Cum (daughter) and Hong Ah Kit (nephew). The pictures taken were staged in Hong Kong, as the Chew’s adopted Western clothing after their immigration to America. It was pretty typical for the Chew family to claim their nephew’s as their son when voyaging overseas. However, all sons were required to finish their primary education in the village.

While the Chew’s had many requirements in their partnership agreement, 30 Mott Street would sell lottery tickets as part of their general good store. This is quite unusual.

One place that surprised us is the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association located at 62 Mott Street, New York, NY 10013. The pictures located inside are a must see!