by Assunta Ng
Northwest Asia Weekly
Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the International Lion Dance Team performed outside the newly acquired building. (Photo by Assunta Ng)
The Year of the Tiger may belong to the Gee How Oak Tin Family Association, representing members of the surnames Chin, Chan, Chen, Tran, Woo and Yuen. This is the only Chinese family association in Seattle so far to be able to host a Lunar New Year community banquet on April 24, despite the fact that February 1, the first day of the lunar calendar, has already passed.
The reason is obvious. Coronavirus disease. Washington state has reopened large indoor events and has lifted its mask-wearing rule since March. Restaurants no longer need to check vaccine cards.
Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the International Lion Dance Team performed outside the newly acquired building. (Photo by Assunta Ng)
For the first time in two years, around 300 people gathered at the Joyale restaurant to celebrate its achievement. It bought a building for $3.3 million at 414 8th Avenue South in the Chinatown International District (CID), a block from its headquarters. The building has 10 residential units, three retail spaces and a huge basement, all occupied. The building was built in 1900 and has an interesting history. It was one of the CID buildings downsized in 1969 to accommodate the construction of the I-5 freeway. About 30% of the buildings have been reduced in size.
One of the storefronts was the Wing Luke Museum’s first location in 20 years, and then Northwest Asia Weekly’s first location for five years. In 2013, a temporary post office branch was set up inside Associate Travel, which moved out in 2015. But the agency’s name remains on the building. And now three characters have been added to the top of the building, the Oak Tin Building.
Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the International Lion Dance Team performed outside the newly acquired building. (Photo by Assunta Ng)
Other achievements were showcased at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly acquired building. Dignitaries include Lieutenant Governor Danny Heck, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and First Lady Joanne Harrell. It reflects members’ political engagement, especially in 2021. Last year, members of Oak Tin, who live in Seattle, voted for Harrell, the association’s elder Michael Chen told Northwest Asia Weekly. That’s a big chunk of Asian votes.
In addition, 51 members from Canadian and U.S. chapters representing 29 chapters also participated in the celebration. Among the field guests, the highest-ranking member of the association, the East Coast National President of the American Oak Tin National Association, came. The West Coast National President is none other than Larry Chen from the Seattle chapter, who was elected in China in 2019 during its global convention. He was unopposed among the 80 delegates. Larry, 67, is a retired Honeywell manager.
Why another building?
“Our ancestors came and they didn’t understand English and they were afraid to invest in property,” Michael said. “But the bank rates are so low and the stock market is so volatile.
“Our association has been doing a lot of calculations. We have the ability to buy properties. We contacted the Eng Family Association a few months after their building burned down. But the Eng members said they don’t sell anything,” Michael said.
Michael, who came to the United States from China in 1984, said in his 70s that his spoken English was not strong, but he could understand it. Nor does he see it as a hindrance.
“I mentor people who speak English well. They listen to me. I explain my vision and they agree with me.” Chen, an accountant at a state-owned factory in China, said he has quietly learned to be a leader , from the lowest level to the highest level.
Chen said the association plans to improve the building over time. Once a tenant moves out, they remodel the unit. So far, it has remodeled two units.
“Beautiful remodeled. Rent out quickly.”
“I have full confidence in the prosperity of Chinatown,” Michael said. “Yes, we have a lot of public safety issues right now. But I’m confident the government will fix this and make it safe. The future of Chinatown is great. Our job is to ensure the economic viability of Chinatown.”
At the dinner, Larry Chan mentioned that the Seattle chapter’s 122-year history is much longer than the 102-year history of the San Francisco headquarters, which is the pride of the Seattle chapter. It was established earlier because the first Chin immigrants arrived in Seattle, not San Francisco. Chin is one of the top five surnames in the US
However, the Seattle chapter and other Chinatown community organizations still face challenges.
“Our organization needs the younger generation to take over and get involved,” Larry said. “Ten years from now, we won’t be here. We were right to buy this building. It strengthens the financial future of our organization. We did our part. We need the younger generation to pass the torch.”
Assunta can reach assunta@nwasianweekly.com.
