The Chinese American Council of Sacramento Foundation is going full speed ahead with a new focus on Historical Preservation. The Fiddletown Preservation Society Is actively seeking funds to put a new roof on the Chew Kee Store; the only rammed earth Chinese built building with original contents still intact from the 1850’s.
As you can remember, we took a field trip to the site recently and heard the noted Historian, Elaine Zorbas talk about the Chinese in Fiddletown. Many of us bought her recent book, “Banished and Embraced, The Chinese in Fiddletown and the Mother Lode” to find out more about Jimmy Chow, the last remaining Chinese resident buried in Fiddletown (1985).
The Chew Kee Store was first used as a medical herbal office for Dr. Yee who was trained in China. This building was a community center for health, supplies and communication. Dr. Yee retired and returned to China (1907) . His son, Yee Lok Sam (known as T. Wah HIng) brought his family to live in Sacramento and practice herbal medicine. Operation of the medical office in Fiddletown was sold to Chew Kee who turned it into a general merchandise and grocery store as well as providing medicine. The original herb drawers, baskets, prescription packets and other personal paraphernalia remained. Chew Kee and his wife, Sigh Choy adopted a young boy, (Fong Chow Yow) when his parents decided to return to China. Jimmy Chow (Fong Chow Yow) worked as the town handyman until he passed in 1985.
Rain, wind , cold, extreme heat and decay have steadily weakened the structure. The last preservation measures were taken in 1988. Now, 30 years later its shake roof Is showing signs of age, including broken shingles, holes and leaks. Te roof is critical to the continued life of the building and survival of the thousands of objects within. Without roof replacement, this precious remnant of Chinese American history will ultimately deteriorate and the visible legacy of California’s Chinese pioneers will be lost.
The Fiddletown preservation Society (FPS) trains docents and oversees the operation of the museum (open Saturdays , April-October). Our “Raise the Roof” Campaign aims to garner $50,000 for roof replacement and preservation of fragile artifact within the store.
Please consider a generous donation for saving the Chew Kee Store and museum. All donations are tax deductible and can be sent to the Fiddletown Preservation Society, a 501c3 nonprofit,, EIN #51-0180800 at P.O. Box 53, Fiddletown, Ca. 95629.
The CACS Foundation will hold a fund raising event on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Happy Garden Restaurant from 11:30-2:00. A fabulous Chinese Fashion Show and delightful Chinese lunch will be served fro $45@. Contact Karun Yee for reservation details at 916-591-8181 or [email protected].