Ten Restaurants That Changed America (2016) published a Port Arthur Restaurant menu cover, from 1917, that had four swastikas at the bottom of the border. At some point the lettering was redone and swastikas were replaced with text. The menu below was printed by “Kungwo Press” which was listed in the Directory of New York State Manufacturers: Rails, Utilities, Banks, 1937.
Arthur Schwartz’s New York City Food: An Opinionated History and More Than 100 Legendary Recipes (2008) has a Port Arthur Restaurant menu cover with Morse code for the letter “V” which, in World War II, stood for Victory and was introduced by Winston Churchill on July 20, 1941.
Date Unknown
Date Unknown
SIGNS OF CHANGE, POSTMARKS, COVER DATES
AND VINTAGE VEHICLES
A series of Soy Kee & Co. and Port Arthur Restaurant postcards were produced soon after they opened (possibly late October 1904). The initial series said “Compliments of Soy Kee & Co.” which was removed in later printings. Their business signs were parallel to the street in a circa 1905 photograph, below, at the Library of Congress.
A similar view of Port Arthur Restaurant was on a postcard published by W. J. A. Lieder of New York City.
In the postcard above, I believe Chu Gow and his oldest son, Chu Gum Fie who was born in 1902, are standing on the left. (See sidebar) This postcard, with “Compliments of Soy Kee & Co.”, appears on page 13 of Manhattan’s Chinatown (2008). The caption said the postcard was printed in 1899. I will offer proof that the date is incorrect. A vertical version of the postcard is on page 16. Below is a detail of the postcard at the Seymour B. Durst Old York Library. On the left, Chu Gow stands with another person while his son is with the policeman.
In 1905 or 1906, a vertical illuminated sign was added at the south end of the building. The sign over the restaurant entrance, near the lamppost, had been removed. Please note that Soy Kee & Company and its neighbor at number five did not have awnings.
The postcard below was postmarked January 11, 1907. Soy Kee & Company had its awning extended.
Harper’s Weekly, August 17, 1907, published a photograph of Port Arthur Restaurant with the vertical sign and an additional horizontal sign extending from the middle of the building.
At the Library of Congress is a photograph, dated January 21, 1909, of Port Arthur Restaurant with the same two signs.
A photograph in Cosmopolitan, September 1909, showed that the vertical sign had been removed. The next photograph, circa 1909 at the Library of Congress, has another view of the buildings with their awnings extended.
The Library of Congress has a January 1, 1913 dated photograph of Mott Street. In the upper left corner is a portion of the Port Arthur Restaurant vertical sign that replaced the horizontal sign. A similar sign is across the street.
Another view of the Port Arthur Restaurant vertical sign appeared in a postcard by the Brown Bros. (This past May, the photograph’s glass negative, from the Brown Bros. archive, was auctioned on eBay.)
For the postcard below, the same street view, with different people, was transformed into a cloudy night.
The daytime version, with an inset, appeared in the 1914 publication New York, The Wonder City.
The postcard was tinted in color. Across the street is the Republic of China flag. The oval inset is a photograph of Lee Yick You and his family who appeared in the July 28, 1904 issue of Leslie’s Weekly that said Lee Yick You
is first vice-president of the all-important Chinese Empire Reform Association. He is president of the board of directors of the Chinese Free Sanatorium; he is a power behind the Chinese daily newspaper, and is also a person of importance in the Chinese Merchants’ Association [On Leong Tong].
In the postcard below, automobiles were added and the sign had Arthur misspelled.
Date unknown
A June 20, 1919 photograph at the New-York Historical Society showed a different sign design.
The bottom of this sign can be seen in the upper left corner of an April 12, 1925 photograph at Getty Images.
Detail
A photograph at eBay showed Port Arthur Restaurant with a different vertical sign. The seller has a 1928 date on the unsourced photograph. This sign had a flat bottom and a half-circle ornament on top. On the sidewalks are several men wearing boater straw hats that were popular in the 1920s.
Detail
The same sign was in a Chinatown photograph, dated February 2, 1932, that was found on eBay many years ago.
From 1905 to 1932 there were five different illuminated signs at Port Arthur Restaurant.
Date unknown
Postmarked November 6, 1933; Soy Kee & Co.
replaced by Eastern Importing Co.; Port Arthur
Chinese Restaurant letters with light bulbs
number that was in use from May 1943 to June 1963.
Upper floors and neighboring building removed;
Port Arthur Restaurant with ornate entrance and letters
with neon tubes; circa 1940s
Port Arthur Restaurant with ornate entrance
and 1940s vehicles; circa 1940s
Green 1952 Ford Ranch Wagon in front of Port Arthur
Restaurant with ornate entrance, 1950s
Far left: Port Arthur Restaurant sign; center: orange-and-white
1962 Dodge Dart taxi; postal zone number ended June 1963
Port Arthur Restaurant without ornate entrance and 1950s
vehicles; address with ZIP Code began July 1963
Port Arthur Restaurant without ornate entrance; 1964 copyright
Port Arthur Restaurant without ornate entrance; 1960s
Port Arthur Restaurant without ornate entrance; 1960s
Several numbered and unnumbered Soy Kee & Co. illustrated color postcards can be viewed online here and here; no number (a later printing had number 10), no number, number 40, number 50, number 60, number 80, and number 90.
ABOUT SOY KEE & COMPANY
AND PORT ARTHUR RESTAURANT
Soy Kee & Company and Port Arthur Restaurant are closely connected. Here is a chronology, from 1882 to 1944, of businesses that occupied 7 and 9 Mott Street.
p2%20c6.jpg)
He traveled by train to Halifax, Nova Scotia where he departed on May 22, 1922 (see line 11). He arrived at the port of New York two days later.
Map from New York’s Chinatown: An Historical
Presentation of Its People and Places (1898)
Map detail: New York City Chinatown, 1900.
A mattress manufacturer was located at 7 and 9 Mott Street (near Chatham Square) for several years. The name Pomroy, later Pomroy & Gambell, was associated with the firm.
New York Sun, May 9, 1882
Corporation Directory of New York City, March 1888
New York World, April 21, 1895
In Chinatowns of New York City (2008), Wendy Wan-Yin Tan wrote
Around 1870, located on the first floor of 7–9 Mott Street, Soy-Kee was the first import/export store in Chinatown. The second floor was the Port Arthur Restaurant, one of the most elegant banquet halls during that period. ...
In Daniel Ostrow’s 2008 book, Manhattan’s Chinatown, he wrote
The Port Arthur Restaurant was established in 1897 and continuously operated for over 85 years. Its original founder was Chu Gam Fai. ...
... Soy Kee and Company was started by Chu Ho, who came to New York City in the 1880s. His store was originally located at 36 Pell Street. The second floor was occupied by the First Class Chinese Restaurant, which remained at that location until 1909. In 1897, he moved Soy Kee and Company to a former house stable at 7–9 Mott Street and soon shared the building with the brand-new Port Arthur Restaurant. ...
The 1870 and 1897 dates for Port Arthur Restaurant and Soy Kee & Company are incorrect. Information about Chu Gam Fai has not been found. Chu Ho was mentioned in Who’s Who of the Chinese in New York (1918).
The New York Press, August 20, 1894, reported the arrest of Chu Gow, a Soy Kee & Company partner, at 16 Doyers Street.
Soy Kee & Company was not listed in Trow’s New York City Directory, July 1, 1894 and July 1, 1895.
So far the earliest mention of Soy Kee, a Doyers Street merchant, was in the New-York Daily Tribune and New York Herald (below), January 30, 1896.
Trow’s New York City Directory, July 1, 1896 had this listing: “Soy Kee Co. drygds. 18 Doyers”. The directory had the wrong number, 18, instead of 16.
Trow’s Greater New York Business Directory for 1897 had these listings: “Pomroy & Gambell Co. (The) J. Boyce Smith, propr. 7 & 9 Mott” and “Soy Kee & Co. 16 Doyers”.
Trow’s Greater New York Business Directory for 1898 had this listing: “Soy Kee Co. imprs. 16 Doyers”.
The 1898 Trow’s Business Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx listed Pomroy & Gambell Co. at 7 & 9 Mott Street.
The Port Arthur Restaurant was not mentioned in Louis Beck’s 1898 book, New York’s Chinatown: An Historical Presentation of Its People and Places. On page 68 was the Soy Kee Company.
The New York Evening Telegram, October 25, 1898, published an artist’s drawing of the fire at Pomroy & Gambell.
... The fire was in the bedding manufactory of Pomroy Gambell & Co. Nos. 7 and 9 Mott street. ...... On the east of Pomroy & Gambell’s is the store of Wong [sic] Tong Fook and on the west the pretentious establishment of the How [sic] Hong Low Company, with a restaurant in the sub-basement. ...
An excerpt from Fire and Water, October 29, 1898, said
A fire in Chinatown caused four alarms to be turned in and the presence of deputy chiefs, battalion chiefs, and apparatus galore. The blaze broke out a little after 9 o’clock a. m., in the bedding manufactory and warehouse of Pomroy & Gambell & Company, a six-story building at Nos. 7–9 Mott street. It was packed full of inflammable stuff and made a fierce and ugly fire. All the employees escaped safely down the fire escapes to the street. The Chinese inhabitants were more or less mildly excited—for them especially the employees of Horn Hong Low & Company, restaurant at No. 11, and Chong Kee’s importing establishment on the ground floor of the same building.
Just over a year later, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, November 8, 1899, reported the fire on Mott Street.
… The five story brick building, 7 and 9 Mott street, Manhattan, occupied by the Pomeroy [sic] & Gambell Company, manufacturers of beds and bedding, was partially destroyed by fire this morning, the flames starting on the fifth floor. ...
The Real Estate section of The New York Times, February 15, 1900, reported repair work on Mott Street including at 7 and 9.
Below is a Valentine & Sons postcard circa 1900. On the left is a wagon, filled with bulging sacks, parked by the lamppost in front of Pomroy & Gambell at 7 and 9 Mott Street. Apparently mattresses were placed outside for display, delivery or pick-up.
The Trow Copartnership and Corporation Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx, March 1900, named the partners of Soy Kee Company.
Soy Kee Co. (not inc.) (Wong Sam, Wong Soy, Chu Gow, Gee Kee, Soy Kee, Wong Wing, Chin Yip, Chu Yong, Wong King) 16 Doyers
The 1900 United States Census was enumerated beginning on June 1. The residents of 16 Doyers Street are below.
7–9 Mott Street was passed over in the census.
In an affidavit dated December 18, 1900, Chu Gow summarized his business experience: 1889 to 1893, merchant with King Tye Company, Victoria, British Columbia; 1893 to 1894, merchant with Lins Tye Company, New York City; 1894 to 1900, merchant with Soy Kee & Company, New York City. (The affidavit is from Chu Gow’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file at the National Archives branch in New York City.)
The Trow Copartnership and Corporation Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx, March 1901, had these listings:
Pomroy & Gambell Co. (R.T.N.) [Registered Trade Name] (J. Boyce Smith) 7 MottSoy Kee, Co. (R.T.N.) (Yong Kum Yung, Gee Kee, Chu Gow, Yee Mun, Yung Sum, Lee Dip, Mow Chun, Ah Yup & Gun Chee) 16 Doyers.
Trow’s General Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx, City of New York, July 1, 1901, had these listings:
Soy Kee Co fcygds [fancy goods] 16 DoyersGuie Yee Quen & Co. eatingh [eatinghouse] 36 PellWing Wo Hing Co grocers 36 Pell
The New-York Tribune, March 22, 1901, said
Chinamen Say They Are Bankrupt.Pell-St. Groceries Estimate Their Liabilities at $7,463.Three Chinamen filed a petition in bankruptcy yesterday, which is the second petition of its kind since, the Bankrupt act went into force. They are Lee Yong Ling, Young Lum Que and Lee Ten Ying, who compose the firm of Wing Wo Hing Company, grocers at No. 36 Pell-st. Their liabilities are $7,463, and assets $2,913, consisting of stock, $1,000; accounts, $1,683, and wagon and fixtures, $230.The outstanding accounts are for goods sold by them to various persons in this city, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Denver, New-Orleans, Bridgeport and Providence. There are forty-three creditors, five of whom are American firms and thirty-eight Chinese. They have been in business sixteen years.
The New York Times, May 15, 1901, published the bankruptcy notice of Wing Wo Hing Co., 36 Pell Street.
Possibly later in 1901, Soy Kee Company moved to 36 Pell Street. In the postcard below, Soy Kee & Company is on the left.
J. Koehler, circa 1902
The following photograph was printed in The Four-Track News, June 1903. The caption said “Jim White, in Front of Chinatown’s Leading Fancy Goods Store”.
Library of Congress, circa 1903; possibly an
unused photograph for The Four-Track News
The Trow Copartnership and Corporation Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx, March 1902, named the partners of the company.
Soy Kee, Co. (R.T.N.) (Wong Kam Yung, Gee Kee, Chu Gow, Yee Mun, Yung Sum, Lee Dip, Mow Chun, Ah Yup & Gun Chee) 36 Pell
The World To-Day, October 1902, published a photograph (below) of Mott Street with Pomroy & Gambell partly visible on the left.
Trow’s General Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx City of New York 1903 listed Soy Kee Company at 36 Pell Street.
The New York Times, January 30, 1903, published a list of fires around the city that included Soy Kee & Company.
In 1903, Raphael Tuck & Sons produced a postcard line called Oilette. There were several series of Oilette postcards including “Cosmopolitan New York”. There were at least five postcards that depicted Chinatown’s Mott and Pell Streets. A sixth postcard featured three Caucasian women and two Chinese male attendants in an opium den. The artist is unknown.
Postmarked November 5, 1904
Postmarked March 2, 1906
A July 27, 1904 dated National Art Views postcard of Mott Street showed, on the left side, Wing Tong Fook & Co. at number 5, Pomroy & Gambell at numbers 7 and 9 (note lamppost), and Horn Hong Low & Co. at number 11. (Wing Tong Fook & Co. was in business as early as 1900, and Horn Hong Low & Co. around 1881.)
Same photograph used by the Rotograph Co.;
postmarked January 24, 1905
The New York Sun, July 2, 1904, reported the contributions from Chinatown.
Chinese Contributors.Learned of Disaster Through Chinese Paper—Modest Over Their Liberality.The subscriptions acknowledged by Treasurer Jacob H. Schiff yesterday raises the total of the Slocum Relief Fund to $116,162.63. The day’s list of contributors includes those who made up the $750 which was taken by a committee of Chinamen to Mayor McClellan’s office on Wednesday. There are sixty-three names in the list, several of them being of Chinese organizations. All the money was collected in Chinatown. Ou Chung Lung, the aged purveyor of eccentric meats and groceries dear to the Chinese palate, of 10 Mott street, gave $10. He has been succeeded in business now by John Kee, a younger man, but his sympathies are as active as ever. The On Leong Tong Chinese Merchant Association gave $100. The Chinese Benevolent Association gave the same amount.At the store of Wing Wo Chong, at 34 Pell street, a clerk said: “Yes, I jus’ get him this.”He showed a receipt for $50 signed “Jacob H. Schiff, secretary Slocum Relief Committee.” Kwong Tai Chong, who keeps a tea store next door, sent $10, and Soy Kee at the corner of Mott and Pell streets, on the other side, gave $20. The Lun Gee Tong Chinese Grand Lodge of Masons, at 6 Mott street, contributed $50.All of the contributors were extremely reticent about their good deeds.“This all ri,” they would say, gazing at the list of contributors. “Why you want know mo’ for? Ev’ store give someteen’.”“How did you learn about the disaster?” they were asked.We know Chinese paper, Refo’m News. Know anyhow. Yes, you fine Tuck High topside stair. My boss no here. Bimeby come back. No here now. You wanta spik Eng’, coma tomollow morn’. Yes, Slocum telluble. Too bad.”
The American Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer, July 9, 1904, said
The Pomroy & Gambell Co., Bedding & Curled Hair, 7–9 Mott street, gave up business July 1.
Trow’s General Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx, City of New York, July 1, 1904 listed Soy Kee Company at 36 Pell Street.
In 1904 the Soy Kee & Co. partners searched for a new location. It was Chu Gow who signed the lease according to the Record and Guide, June 18, 1904.
Leases
Borough of Manhattan
Mott st, Nos 7 and 9 all. J Boyce Smith to Chu Gow; 10 years, from Oct 15, 1904. June 13, 1904. 1:161 ..... 5,500 and 6,000
Soy Kee & Company and Port Arthur Restaurant may have opened in mid-October 1904. From 1882 to July 1904, there was no evidence of them at 7 and 9 Mott Street.
In Becoming Chinese American: A History of Communities and Institutions (2004), Him Mark Lai said
... Many Hua Xian villagers had to leave San Francisco to find better economic opportunities. Some moved east of the Rockies and to the Pacific Northwest. For example, shortly after the Port Arthur Cafe opened in San Francisco, Hua Xian people also started the Port Arthur Restaurant in New York.
At this time, the earliest newspaper mention of Port Arthur Restaurant was in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, March 20, 1905, “Chinese Baby in Flatbush; Yin Lee Gives Feasts”.
The Record and Guide, April 8, 1905, reported a Mechanics’ Lien. There was construction at the location.
April 7.20—Mott st, Nos 7 and 9. John Regan agt J Boyce Smith, Chu Gow & Soy Kee Co, John A Hamilton ..... 781.00
Chu Gow was pictured on the menu and postcard.
circa 1905
Same image on page 14 of Manhattan’s Chinatown, circa 1905
The 1905 New York state census began on June 1. Evidently the enumerator believed 7–9 Mott Street was entirely commercial so no one was counted.
The Sketch, August 2, 1905, published a photograph of Soy Kee & Company and Port Arthur Restaurant in the background. The Imperial Restaurant is on the left.
Chu Gow took a turn at acting according to the New York Sun, December 4, 1905.
The New York Sun and The New York Times, March 10, 1906, covered the activities of Prince Tsai Tse.
Prince Tsai Tse, cousin of the Celestial Emperor, his two fellow High Commissioners, his secretary and Sir Chanting Liang Cheng, the Chinese Minister, descended on Chinatown last night chaperoned by Detective Sergeants Funston and Fogarty of the Central Office.Joseph Singleton, president of the Chinese Reform Association, met the party at the entrance of the Port Arthur restaurant and escorted the exalted one up stairs to the association’s meeting room, where some fifty or sixty members had been prostrating themselves ever since they heard the carriages draw up at the door. ...
... There was a policeman on every corner and in nearly every second doorway, lest the On Leongs and the Hip Sings should make trouble. There was much kow-towing as the Prince stepped from his carriage. He acknowledged it slightly and mounted to the restaurant. Here the host, Chu Gow, had a private dining room of teak wood and pearl inlaid furniture decorated with Oriental splendor for the reception of the Prince. ...
Chu Gow was mentioned in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, March 14, 1906.
Borough President Bird S. Coler was the guest of honor at the dinner of the Thirteen Club, held last night in the Port Arthur Chinese restaurant, 7–9 Mott street, Manhattan. He was the only one of the 345 diners, except Chief Ruler John P. Scrymser, who wore evening dress. The rest came there in any old thing. The dinner was intended to show the defiance of superstition held by the Thirteeners against the mystery of Chinese dishes, and they took in the whole thirteen courses without a murmur. How they feel to-day is another matter. Chu Gow, the president of the restaurant company, did his best for them. ...
The New York Times and the New York World, March 29, 1906, reported the celebration at Port Arthur Restaurant.
The New York Times excerpt
New York World
Port Arthur Restaurant was mentioned in the magazine Secret Service.
... “There’s a Chink standing in the doorway of the Port Arthur restaurant who has been sizing me up right along.”
... The account stated that the man had been taken suddenly ill in the famous Port Arthur restaurant on Pell street while eating supper three days before. ...... The great sign of the Port Arthur restaurant attracted the attention of Sing Bird.
Harry and Alice went out to breakfast at the Port Arthur restaurant, and were served “a la Chinoise,” which, if you please, is after the style of the Chinks in French.
Trow’s General Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx City of New York, July 1, 1907 listed Soy Kee Company at 7 Mott Street.
In October 1907, Chu Gow moved his family to China. (See sidebar)
Trow’s General Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx, City of New York, July 1, 1908 listed Soy Kee Company at 7 Mott Street.
The Port Arthur Restaurant advertised in newspapers.
New York Evening Telegram, August 14, 1908
The New York Herald, September 24, 1908, covered the dinner, hosted by the Soy Kee Company, for Mr. Li Sum Ling.
... Mr. Li was welcomed by Mr. Wong Kam Yung, the principal partner in the Soy Kee Company, who introduced the other partners, Mr. Gee Kee, Mr. Chu Gow, Mr. Yee Mun, Mr. Yung Sum, Mr. Lee Dip, Mr. Mow Chun, Mr. Ah Yup and Mr. Gun Chee. Also among the guests were Mr. Chu Gain, manager of the restaurant, and Mr. Young Nam. ...
Menu
Leslie’s Illustrated Weekly, December 3, 1908, published a photograph of Port Arthur Restaurant and Soy Kee & Company draped in mourning the death of the Emperor Kwang-su.
Photographs of manager Chu Gain and Port Arthur Restaurant appeared in Leslie’s Weekly, April 15, 1909.
Two months later, Chu Gain was embroiled in the Elsie Sigel murder case. The murderer, Leon Ling, was a fugitive and never apprehended.
Cosmopolitan, September 1909
At the Library of Congress is a photograph labeled “Mission house where Elsie Sigel was murdered”. On the left, two letters of the Port Arthur Restaurant sign are visible: a sliver of the “T” crossbar and all of the ”R”.
On June 27, 1910, the Daily Gate City (Keokuk, Iowa) and the Washington Herald (DC) reported the assassination attempt on Chu Gain.
Daily Gate City, page 3
Chinese Have Big BombardmentNew York, June 27.—Warfare between the Four Brothers and the On Leong Tongs, rival Chinese organizations, broke out again in Chinatown. Eight or ten Chinese bombarded each other from both sides of Pell street, and Sing Gen, a noncombatant, was caught between the fire of the gun men of the On Leong Tong and the Four Brothers and was shot through the head. He will die. Gin Ching of the Four Brothers was shot in the abdomen and probably fatally wounded, while Chu Fu, also of the Four Brothers, got a bullet through him. His wound is not serious.The fight so far as the police could learn, was started by the On Leong Tong men. Tom Lee’s fraternity of gamblers had been waiting with the Four Brothers for the killing of Chung Fook, April 10. They could hardly have picked a better time. The Four Brothers were in Chinatown from all over Greater New York to attend a banquet at the Chinese Delmonicos. Old Sam Lock, leader of the Four Brothers, had not shown himself in the street, but Chu Moy Yen and other big men of the society had gone through Pell street, and dozens of the Four Brothers were heading slowly for the restaurant. Chu Gain, the guest of honor, was the man the On Leon [sic] Tong men were waiting for.The minute Chu Gain was sighted the trouble began. He escaped. At least fifty shots were fired in two or three minutes. The police arrested Chu Pan, the latter a Four Brothers man and the others On Leong Tongs. Three others were held as witnesses.
Washington Herald, page 1
Renew Tong Feud.Three Chinese Are Shot in Battle in Pell Street.New York, June 26.—The big triangular flag of the Four Brothers was whipping from the roof of the Chinese Delmonico’s at 24 Pell street to-day. The Four Brothers Society was having its annual dinner in honor of the ancient four who founded the clan and of Chu Gain, a Four Brothers man who was honorably acquitted recently of the charge of murder.Suddenly there were several shots fired in quick succession. When the smoke cleared away a Chinaman was found lying on the sidewalk. It was Sing Jen, a peaceable man, who was shot in the abdomen by the gunmen of On Leong Tong. A few feet away from Sing Jen lay Chu Fon of the Four Brothers, shot in the head. Chu Pan, also of the same organization sat with his back to the wall of the tenement and received a bullet in his thigh.The battle ended as suddenly as it began.In the Hudson Street Hospital, Chu Fon died, Sing Jen was said to be dying, and Chu Pan was held a prisoner.Eight Chinese were locked up.
The New York Evening Telegram, April 6, 1911, reported Chu Gain’s return to China.
Suitor of Elsie Sigel Goes to China to WedChu Gain, one of the proprietors of the Port Arthur Restaurant, in the Chinese quarter, has made arrangements to return to China. He is taking with him a sum of money considered a fortune in his native land, as well as jewelry and American dresses, hats and shoes. He is to wed a Chinese girl, it is said. He was an unsuccessful suitor for the hand of Elsie Sigel, for whose murder another Chinese is sought.
Port Arthur Restaurant advertised in the Chinese Students’ Monthly, June 1909.
A visit to Soy Kee & Company, Port Arthur Restaurant and Chinese Reform News was described in Men’s Wear, July 7, 1909.
The 1910 United States Census was enumerated in April. The residents of 7 and 9 Mott Street are below.
The Trow Copartnership and Corporation Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan the Bronx, City of New York, March 1910, named the partners.
Soy Kee Co. (R.T.N.) (Wong Kam Yung, Gee Kee, Chu Gow, Yee Mun, Yung Sum, Wong Wye, Tong Yue, Ah Yup & Gun Chee) 7 Mott
The New York Herald, July 16, 1910, covered the Chinese Public School commencement at Port Arthur Restaurant.
Soy Kee & Company advertised in many publications.
New York Sun, November 25, 1908
New York Herald, December 6, 1909
.jpg)
The New York Times, November 23, 1913.
Vogue, May 1, 1915
Asia, September, October and November 1920
The Trow Copartnership and Corporation Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan the Bronx, City of New York, March 1911, named the partners.
Soy Kee, Co. (R.T.N.) (Ho Chu, Chu Sam, Chan You Saw, Chee Kee, Chu Gain, Lee Yee, Chan Yip, Wong Too & Tang Yue, only) 7 Mott.
The 1912 Annual Report of the State Commissioner of Excise of the State of New York had this entry.
Certificate Holder: Minor, Herbert DLocation: New York 7–9 Mott st.Subdivision: 1
The Trow’s General Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx, City of New York, August 1, 1912, entries:
The Trow Business Directory of the Boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx, New York City, 1913, entries:
A vaudeville production titled “The Ragtime Laundry” introduced the Chop Suey Cabaret. A character named Soy Kee was portrayed by William E. Bence “the World’s Greatest Chinese Impersonator.” The production toured several cities.
p2%20c6.jpg)
Perth Amboy Evening News (New Jersey)
February 26, 1913
The Port Arthur Restaurant may have been filmed according to Moving Picture World, March 29, 1913.
New York’s Society Life and Underworld. (3 parts).—At college, Harold Blake had always been a wild sort of a fellow and, when he arrived at home, one of the party of his gay companions suggested that they “take in” Chinatown. Acting upon the sugestion [sic] they wended their way to the famous Chatham Club, where they met “Chuck” Conners, known as the “mayor” of Chinatown, who took charge of the boys and visited every nook and corner of that famous place. Just as the party was about to enter the Port Arthur restaurant Harold “heard a woman crying for help. Upon arriving at the place where the sound came from he saw a villainous looking man beating a woman. Harold “felled the brute and to his surprise the woman dealt him a stunning blow on the face. ...
The Edison Monthly, July 1913, published photographs of Port Arthur Restaurant, Soy Kee & Company, and Mott Street.
Port Arthur Restaurant and the Chinese Tuxedo advertised in the New York Evening Telegram, November 25, 1913.
The 1915 New York state census began on June 1. The residents of 7 and 9 Mott Street are below.
The 1915 New York, New York city directory listed two individuals, Chu Ho and Chu Sam, who were associated with the Soy Kee Company.
Rider’s New York City and Vicinity, Including Newark, Yorkers and Jersey City; A Guide-Book for Travelers (1916) included Soy Kee Company and Port Arthur Restaurant.
Soy Kee & Company was listed in R.L. Polk & Co.’s Trow General Directory of New York City, Manhattan and the Bronx 1916 on pages 1587, 2134 and 2135. On page 2280 was Port Arthur Chinese Restaurant.
The New York Dramatic Mirror, July 1, 1916, said Yan Phou Lee, author of When I Was a Boy in China, welcomed guests at a dinner in Port Arthur Restaurant.
Chinese Dine Ralph InceMembers of the Chinese Nationalist of America recently gave a dinner to Ralph W. Ince, Vitagraph director, Lucille Lee Stewart and Huntly Gordon, also of that company. The affair took place in a restaurant known as “the Port Arthur,” at 9 Mott street, in a private banqueting room, decorated with Oriental hangings.The league includes most of the prominent Chinamen in the United States on its membership roll. Among those present was Mr. S. Ma. formerly private secretary to President Sun Yat Yen [sic] of the first republic. The feast was presided over by Yon Phue Lee [sic], who made a brief address of welcome to the guests. War correspondent McCormick spoke on conditions in China as they are today, and Louis J. Bock [sic], author of “New York’s Chinatown,” described the family life of the Chinese in this country and Canada.
The 1917 Trow’s New York City Directory Boroughs of Manhattan and Bronx had these listings.
Port Arthur Chinese Restaurant (RTN) (Ho Chu, Sam Chu) 9 MottSoy Kee (Soy Kee & Co) h 17 MottSoy Kee & Co (Soy Kee) fcy gds 7 MottImporters—Chinese GoodsSoy Kee & Co 7–9 Mott Tel Worth 233RestaurantsPort Arthur Restaurant Co 9 Mott
Soy Kee & Company was mentioned in Shiu Wong Chan’s The Chinese Cook Book (1917).
Who’s Who of the Chinese in New York listed Soy Kee Company and profiled Chu Ho’s son, Jack Ho.
Mr. Jack Ho was born at Canton in 1899. His father, Mr. Ho Chu, had resided in the United States prior to his birth, having gone there when 13 years of age and worked up from a grocery store clerk to part owner and manager of Soy Kee and Company in Mott Street, New York, one of the oldest and most important Chinese concerns in America, The elder Ho on returning to China put into practice the American chain store idea, becoming manager of fourteen retail establishments. Mr. Ho received his early education in Canton, going to the United States at the age of 14. Eventually, he attended and graduated from New York University. Though urged to return to China, young Mr. Ho wished to try his fortunes in the United States and found his opportunity in the purchase of Vantine’s Oriental store in New York. Under Mr. Ho’s management, Vantine’s has been moved to 39th Street, a few steps, from Fifth Avenue, in the neighborhood of such renowned stores as Tiffany’s and Altman’s. Vantine’s today enjoys a wide reputation for the quality and exclusiveness of its lines of Chinese, Japanese, Philippine, Japanese and Indian goods.
Who’s Who said Port Arthur Restaurant was at 7 Watt [sic] Street.
Crockery & Glass Journal, December 18, 1919, mentioned Soy Kee & Company.
The 1920 United States Census was enumerated in January. The enumerator counted tenants at numbers 5 and 11 Mott Street; 7 and 9 Mott Street was passed over.
Port Arthur Restaurant was included in the U.S. Navy Ports of the World: New York City (1920); Visiting New York City: Buyers Manual (1921) and The New “Red Book” Information and Guide to New York, Manhattan and the Bronx (1923).
The New York Tribune, April 7, 1921, and The New York Times, April 9, 1921, reported the sale of 7 and 9 Mott Street.
In 1923 Soy Kee & Company had a showroom at 1263 Broadway. By 1925, Soy Kee & Company relocated to 87–89 Fifth Avenue. The next three tenants at 7–9 Mott Street would be Eastern Importing Company (late 1920s or early 1930s) followed by Chinatown Emporium (late 1930s) and Chinatown Fair (1944). Around 1928, chef Henry Low, author of Cook at Home in Chinese, began his ten-year stint at Port Arthur Restaurant.
Further Reading and Viewing
Inspector Collector, The Ineffable Bruce Ho: Restaurateur
American Heritage, April 1999, Chinatown
American Heritage, December 1987, Let’s Eat Chinese Tonight
Soho Press, This Is Chinatown, Port Arthur Restaurant and Chinatown Fair photograph
The Restaurants of New York (1925)
The Chinese Students’ Monthly, November 1920 – June 1921, advertisements
New York City Guide (1939)
The Chinatown Trunk Mystery (2020)
Pic, September 6, 1938, The “Pic” Album of Notorious American Murders
Find a Grave, Elsie Sigel
The Honourable Gentleman and Others (1919), Mott Street on the dust jack
Leslie’s Weekly, March 23, 1899, In the Light of the Moon (short story mentioned 16 Doyers Street)
Fabulous New York 1930s in Color, video, 0:27–1:37—Chinatown, Port Arthur Restaurant (1:05)
Manhattan, New York, 1967, video, 6:20–7:23—Chinatown, Port Arthur Restaurant (6:45)
Related Posts
SIDEBAR: Chu Gow and Family
Chu Gow was born in 1869 in China. From Canada, he arrived in New York City in 1893. Chu Gow was a merchant. His Chinese Exclusion Act case file had three addresses for him: 16 Doyers Street; 5–7 Mott Street; and 7–9 Mott Street.
In 1900, Chu Gow prepared for travel to China to marry and bring with his wife to New York. Two affidavits, dated December 18, 1900, from four Caucasian businessmen, identified Chu Gow as a member of Soy Kee & Company at 16 Doyers Street in New York City.
An affidavit signed by the U.S. Consul in Canton, China said
On the twelfth day of July, 1901, before me, the undersigned, personally appeared Chung See, who being duly sworn deposes and says, that she is the wife of Chu Gow, a naturalized British subject, and a merchant and member of the firm Soy Kee & Coy doing business as importer and dealer in general Chinese merchandise at No. 16 Doyer [sic] Street (now removed to Pearl Street), that she was married to the said Chu Gow, in Canton, on the 10th day of the 2nd moon, 27th year Kwan Sii [March 29, 1901], and that she was born in Canton, China, and is now 18 years of age (her photograph hereto attached), and that she intends going together with her husband, the said Chu Gow, to New York, for the purpose of living with him there. In witness whereof, I have herewith hereto set my hand and affixed the deal of this Consulate.
On September 24, 1901, Chu Gow and his wife entered the United States at Malone, New York. The affidavit reads as follows:
Malone. Sep. 24. 1901.To whom it may concern:Personally appeared before me at the time and place aforementioned, Chu Gow and being duly sworn did depose and testify as follows: vizMy name is Chu Gow. My occupation and business is that of a merchant and I am now, and have been for over six years last past, a member of the firm of Soy Kee Co, doing business at #36 Pell Street presently #16 Doyer [sic] St. in the City, County and State of New York.I have seen the photograph, attached to the consular paper, answered[?] hereto and recognize the photograph to be that of Chung See my lawful and only wife, to whom I was married, as set forth in the consular paper heretofore mentioned.Chung See is anxious to enter the United States and part[illegible] of my status as a merchant and in accordance with the opinions in J.D. 22056 she is entitled to enter the United States and I make this affidavit for the purpose of proving such right.Sworn to before me this 24th day of Sept 1901.
His first son was Chu Gum Fie, born on May 14, 1902, at 36–38 Mott Street.
The birth certificate said his mother was Young Chu. They appeared in the New-York Daily Tribune, November 1, 1903.
Mrs. Chu Gow and Chu Gow Fice [sic], Her Son.
Chu Gow’s second son was Chu Mon Fie, born on October 3, 1904 at 36 Mott Street.
Son number three was Arthur Chu John Fie, born on November 3, 1906 at 7–9 Mott Street. The celebration of his birth was reported in the New York Herald, January 5, 1907.
In 1907, Chu Gow made preparations to take his family to China. He submitted an affidavit, obtained passports for his sons, and was interviewed.
The Yokohama newspaper, The Japan Weekly Mail, November 16, 1907, named the steamship Empress of China passengers, including Chu Gow and family, who arrived from Vancouver.
In 1909, each son was registered at the Consul General’s office.
In June 1919, Chu Gum Fie and Chu Mon Fie prepared to return to the United States. In a letter dated August 13, 1919, Chu Ho notified the Chinese Bureau of the Department of Labor. The two brothers departed Hong Kong on August 10 and arrived in Seattle on September 10. They were interviewed the following day. Chu Mon Fie said his father passed away “the 23rd day, 4th month in the year 1914, dying in Canton City, China”. Later in 1925, Chu Gum Fie said his father passed away “in Canton, China, on or about Mar. 23, 1913.”
Lines 6 and 7
Lines 6 and 7
In 1920, Arthur prepared to travel and applied for a passport.
On April 20, 1922, Arthur departed Hong Kong and arrived at Vancouver on May 8.
In June 1924, Chu Mon Fie aka Lawrence M.F. Chu prepared to travel to Canton, China.
There is no record of his return to the U.S.
In October 1925, Chu Gum Fie aka George Chu prepared to travel to China.
There is no record of his return to the U.S.
In 1929, Arthur Chu returned to China for almost four years. According to a passenger list, his passport was issued on June 26, 1929. In the interview, Arthur said he married Jong Nor Wing aka Ruby One in New York on December 24, 1926. A record of their marriage has not been found.
On May 7, 1933, Arthur departed Shanghai and arrived in Seattle on May 22.
In 1935, Arthur made preparations to sail from Los Angeles, California to China.
There are no records of his departure to China or return to the U.S. The California Death Index, at Ancestry.com, has an Arthur Chu who passed away in Los Angeles on October 20, 1936.
Information about the other brothers’ passings has not been found. Chu Gow’s granddaughter, Cao Meien 曹美恩, is mentioned on the New York City Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association website.
SIDEBAR: Soy Kee & Company and Port Arthur Restaurant Employees, Relatives and Others
Soy Kee & Company employees were mentioned in the “Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, Transmitting, in Response to Resolution of the Senate of May 17, 1897, Copies of Certain Papers Relative to the Alleged Illegal Entry into the United States of Chinese Persons”.
... papers not received at this office until September 26, about which Mr. Porter says that there was a certificate on the papers by the collector at New York marked “O.K.” Wong Chu Kee, of Soy Kee & Co., 16 Doyer street, New York, September 8, 1896. This paper was rejected by this office August 22, 1896. ...Wong Chu Kee, No. 147, of the firm of Soy Kee & Co., 16 Doyer street, New York, interest $2,000; has a large scar on the head near left ear, a small scar on right eyelid; rejected by collector at Plattsburg, August 22, 1896. (This appears to have been admitted by the record September 8, 1896.) No evidence of former residence and admitted by Porter. ...... Wong Kam, which is viséed by Thomas J. Dunn, deputy collector at the New York custom-house, on the 22d of January, 1896. The paper has also attached to it an affidavit of Chee Gow, the alleged manager of the firm Soy Kee & Co., as aforesaid, also with the visé of the New York custom-house indorsed on the back of it. With these papers Wong Chee Kee made application for admission at Malone, N. Y., but upon being referred to the collector, Deputy Collector John Martin ordered that it be rejected, notwithstanding it contained the visés of the New York custom-house, because it nowhere arrears that Wong Chee Kee was a merchant residing in New York, etc. ...
Evening Star (Washington DC), June 29, 1909
... Yung Dat, whose Americanized name is Arthur Yung, a member of the same family.Yung Dat is a close friend and partner of Leon, and also a friend of Chu Gain. He worked in the Port Arthur restaurant, run by Chu Gain, until about five months ago, when he opened a laundry in Brooklyn.
The following people were found through their Chinese Exclusion Act case files at Ancestry.com.
Yin Ting Chan [Quan Chan] [Yin Ting 陳]
Gender: Male
Age: 37
Birth Date: 4 Feb 1887
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1917
Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington
Arrival Date 1: 7 Dec 1929
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Hor Tong Village, Sun Woey Dis
Occupation: Merchant
Occupation 2: Salesman & Bookkeeper
Sponsor: Soy Kee & Co, NYC
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1917-1929
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 12, 888
You San Chan [Quock Jin Chan] [You San 陳]
Gender: Male
Age: 32
Birth Date: 1880
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1899
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 1919
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Hor Tong Village, Sun Wui
Occupation: Merchant
Sponsor: Soy Kee
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1919-1919
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 34, 44
Box: 228
Fong Chin [Fong 陳]
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Birth Date: 1903
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1921
Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington
Arrival Date 1: 1931
Arrival Place 1: San Francisco, California
Place of Origin: Canton City, Canton
Occupation: Son of Merchant
Comments: Father Chin Kui Chee
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1920-1951
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 61, 661
Box: 305
Yip Chin [Guy Gee Chin] [Yip 陳]
Gender: Male
Age: 40
Birth Date: 1872
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1894
Arrival Place: Portland, Oregon
Place of Origin: Di Leung Village, Pung Gooey
Occupation: Son of a Merchant
Occupation 2: Merchant
Occupation 3: Restaurant Manager
Sponsor: Port Arthur Restaurant, NYC
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1906-1927
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 12, 663
Box: 59
Sam Chu [Hen Hou Chu] [Sam 曹]
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Birth Date: 1881
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1904
Arrival Date 1: 1920
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Occupation: Merchant
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1907-1920
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 34, 586
Box: 238
Loy Chun [Tung Kay Chun] [Loy 陳]
Gender: Male
Age: 48
Birth Date: 1878
Birth Place: San Francisco, California
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1914
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 1927
Arrival Place 1: San Francisco, California
Place of Origin: Kaw Tow, Nam Hoi
Occupation: Laborer
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1926-1927
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 105, 799
Box: 350
Yue Dong [Bok Yin Dong] [Quock Hing Dong] [Yue 鄧]
Gender: Male
Age: 27
Birth Date: 1883
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1895
Arrival Place: New York, New York
Place of Origin: Seuk Kee Village, Pun Yu
Occupation: Merchant
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1910-1916
Case Description; R
Case Number(s): 30, 105
Box: 210
Chong Gee [Hong Hing Gee] [Chong 朱]
Gender: Male
Age: 43
Birth Date: 11 Oct 1885
Birth Place: San Francisco, California
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Place of Origin: Nam Hoi
Occupation: Laundryman
Occupation 2: President
Sponsor: Port Arthur Restaurant Corp
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1922-1933
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 6, 1013
Box: 25
But Cheung Haw
Gender: Male
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 6 Mar 1917
Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington
Occupation: Merchant
Sponsor: Soy Kee & Co
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1917-1922
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 6, 877
Box: 21
Chan Ho [Ho Charles] [Chan 何]
Gender: Male
Age: 23
Birth Date: 1907
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1921
Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington
Arrival Date 1: 1930
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Occupation: Laborer
Occupation 2: Son of Merchant
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1930-1930
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 134, 138
Box: 414
Chu Ho [Won Sung Ho] [Dong See Ho] [Chu 何]
Gender: Male
Age: 52
Birth Date: 1865
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Additional Residence Address: 87-89 5th Ave
Additional Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1878
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 26 Oct 1926
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Leung Kai Village, Nam Hoy Dis
Occupation: Merchant
Occupation 2: Manager
Comments: In File- Interrogation Papers on First Entrance of Alleged Son, Ho Chan, 1921.
Sponsor: Soy Kee & Co, NYC
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1916-1926
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 12, 816
Box: 64
Edith Ho
Gender: Female
Age: 1
Birth Date: 1927
Birth Place: Bayshore, LI, New York
Residence Address: 7 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1928
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Place of Origin: Leung Kai, Nam Hoi
Comments: Father of Ho Jack deceased 1929 China
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1928-1928
Case Description: X
Case Number(s): 125, 340
Box: 370
Jack Ho [Mun Cheung Ho] [Jack 何]
Gender: Male
Age: 32
Birth Date: 1897
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1913
Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington
Arrival Date 1: 1930
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Occupation: Son of Merchant
Occupation 2: Merchant
Sponsor: Soy Kee & Co.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1929-1932
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 134, 73
Box: 413
Jack Ho [Mun Cheung Ho] [Jack 何]
Gender: Male
Age: 33
Birth Date: 1897
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1913
Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington
Arrival Date 1: 1932
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Leung Kai, Nam Hoi
Occupation: Laborer
Occupation 2: Son of Merchant
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1930-1932
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 134, 143
Box: 414
Jack Ho [Chu Ho] [Wun Sung Ho]
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 1864
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: San Lung, 826 Dupont St
Residence Place: San Francisco, California
Additional Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Additional Residence Place: New York, New York
Additional Residence Address: 52 Montgomery Ave, Bayshore
Additional Residence Place: Long Island, New York
Arrival Date: Nov 1913
Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Leung Kai Village, Nam Hoy Dis
Occupation; Minor Son of a Merchant
Occupation 2: Assistant Manager
Comments: Statement, 11/28/1916, Stated First Entered from San Francisco, 1878.
Sponsor: Soy Kee & Co
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1916-1929
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 6, 875
Box: 21
Jack Won Ho [Yen Wai Ho] [Jack Won 何]
Gender: Male
Age: 26
Birth Date: 28 Dec 1896
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7 and 9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 22 Nov 1921
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Place of Origin: Sai Jock Village, Nam Hoi
Occupation: Son of a Native
Comments: Admitted, Riverside Hospital, North Brother Island, 1924, for Leprosy.
Sponsor: Son Kee & Co
Document Date: 1921-1924
Case Description: A
Case Number(s): 6, 670
Box: 16
Jew Ho [Fook Chong Ho] [Stephen Ho] [Jew 何]
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 1893
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 87-89 5th Ave
Residence Place: New York, New York
Additional Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Additional Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: Sep 1913
Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington
Arrival Date 1: 1922
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Leung Kai Village,Nam Hoy Dis
Occupation: Minor Son of a Merchant
Occupation 2: Manager
Comments: In File- Certificate of Identity, 1913.
Sponsor: Soy Kee & Co, NY
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1916-1925
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 6, 1790
Box: 39
John Ho [John 何]
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 1904
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: Ps 23
Residence Place: New York, New York
Additional Residence Address: Bordentown Military Acad.
Additional Residence Place: Bordentown, New Jersey
Additional Residence Address: 7 Mott St
Additional Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: Dec 1918
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Place of Origin: Canton
Occupation: Student
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1922-1922
Case Description: U
Case Number(s): 6, 1766
Box: 38
Ka Chiu Ho [Ho Lawrence] [Ka Chiu 何]
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Birth Date: 1908
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1923
Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington
Arrival Date 1: 1931
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Fat San, Canton
Occupation: Laborer
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1930-1931
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 134, 139
Box: 414
Ting Ho
Gender: Male
Age: 62
Birth Date: 1864
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1874
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 1877
Arrival Place 1: San Francisco, California
Place of Origin: Tung Chee, Sunning
Occupation: Son of Merchant
Comments: Certificate of Identity #144861 to Replace #125084
Sponsor: Soy Kee
Document Date: 1925-1925
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 105, 291
Box: 341
Gwong Hoong [Gwong 孔]
Gender: Male
Age: 46
Birth Date: 1883
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1917
Arrival Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date 1: 1917
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Wah Ping, Nam Hoi
Occupation: Merchant
Sponsor: Soy Kee & Co.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1917-1930
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 32, 3
Box: 216
Kue Hor [Lung Hor] [Gwong Long Hor] [Kue 何]
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 31 Mar 1877
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 905 Grant Ave
Residence Place: San Francisco, California
Additional Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Additional Residence Place: New York, New York
Additional Residence Address: 145 Madison Ave, 3rd FL
Additional Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1903
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Place of Origin: Sai Jok Village, Nam Hoi
Occupation: Merchant
Occupation 2: Salesman
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co., NYC
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1923-1930
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 12, 814
Box: 64
Chong Ho Kai [Calvin Ho] [Chong Ho 何]
Gender: Male
Age: 3
Birth Date: 1924
Birth Place: New York, New York
Residence Address: 7 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1938
Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington
Arrival Date 1: 1949
Arrival Place 1: New York, New York
Place of Origin: Leung Kai, Nam Hoi
Occupation: Native
Comments: Merchant Husband Ho Jack departed San Francisco 1928
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1928-1942
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 125, 338
Box: 370
Hoy Ho Kai [Hoy Ho 何]
Gender: Male
Age: 2
Birth Date: 1926
Birth Place: Bayshore, LI, New York
Residence Address: 7 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1928
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 1949
Arrival Place 1: New York, New York
Place of Origin: Leung Kai, Nam Hoi
Occupation: Native
Comments: Son of Ho Jack
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1928-1952
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 125, 339
Box: 370
Yee Lee [Long Chee Lee] [Yee 李]
Gender: Male
Age: 27
Birth Date: 1886
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St, Soy Kee & Co
Residence Place: New York, New York
Additional Residence Address: 113 E 14th St, Great China
Additional Residence Place: New York, New York
Additional Residence Address: Booth #6, 50 Church St
Additional Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 10 Jan 1906
Arrival Place: Malone, New York
Arrival Date 1: 2 Oct 1929
Arrival Place 1: San Francisco, California
Place of Origin: Wah Ping, Nom Hoi
Occupation: Minor Son of a Merchant
Occupation 2: Salesman
Occupation 3: Restaurant Manager
Comments: In File- Photo of Alleged Father, Lee Jung.
Sponsor: Oriental Novelty Import Co, NYC
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1906-1929
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 12, 1152
Box: 73
Yuen Leow [Wun Leow] [Hock Tin Leow] [Yuen 廖]
Gender: Male
Age: 35
Birth Date: 1874
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 3-5 South 4th Ave
Residence Place: Mt Vernon, New York
Additional Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St.
Additional Residence Place: New York, New York
Additional Residence Address: 253 Fifth Ave
Additional Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1892
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 1917
Arrival Place 1: New York
Occupation: Merchant
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co, Wah Tai Co, Great East
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1909-1928
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 56, 666.10
Box: 272
Sing Low [Wah You Low] [Sing 劉]
Gender: Male
Age: 34
Birth Date: 1892
Birth Place: San Francisco, California
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1921
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 1925
Place of Origin: Check Hi, Check Hi
Occupation: Returning Citizen
Comments: Certificate of Identity #33196 San Francisco 1921
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co
Picture; 1
Document Date: 1921-1925
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 61, 910
Box: 309
Yiu Lan Ng [Leung Ng] [Yiu Lan 吳/伍]
Gender: Male
Age: 39
Birth Date: 1886
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1914
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 1927
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Lung Hing, Sunning
Occupation: Merchant
Comments: Certificate of Identity #16346 San Francisco #1914 Partnership List
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1919-1927
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 105, 160
Box: 339
K. Long Poe
Gender: Male
Age: 23
Birth Date; 1899
Birth Place: Canton
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1919
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 1922
Occupation: Returning Student
Comments: No Date of Departure
Sponsor: Soy Kee & Co
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1919-1922
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 6, 1194
Box: 580
Jarm Tang [Chang Tang] [Jarm 鄧]
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 1880
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1906
Arrival Place: Malone, New York
Arrival Date 1: 1931
Arrival Place 1: New York, New York
Place of Origin: Seuk Hee Village, Pun Yee
Occupation: Merchant
Occupation 2: Salesman
Sponsor: Soy Kee & Co
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1906-1940
Case Description: A
Case Number(s): 6, 1386
Box: 30
Tsao Tang [Tsao 鄧]
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 1874
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1906
Arrival Place: Malone, New York
Arrival Date 1: 1922
Arrival Place 1: New York, New York
Place of Origin: Sew Lome Mee Village, Nam Hoi
Occupation: Grocer
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1906-1922
Case Description: A
Case Number(s): 6, 1387
Box: 30
Pak Oi Tung [Wah Hing Tung] [Pak Oi 董]
Gender: Male
Age: 34
Birth Date: 1890
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1920
Arrival Place: Seattle, Washington
Arrival Date 1: 1924
Place of Origin: Dai Jee Gong, Nam Hoi
Occupation: Merchant
Comments: Denied Reentry Application in 1926, Did not Leave
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1924-1924
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 56, 740
Box: 274
Chung Gett Wong [Sow San Wong] [Chung Gett 黃]
Gender: Male
Age: 17
Birth Date: 1890
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1907
Arrival Place: Malone, New York
Arrival Date 1: 1935
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Soy Seck, Pun Yu
Occupation: Merchant
Sponsor: Soy Kee & Co
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1907-1935
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 34, 338
Box: 234
Gee Kee Wong [Yin Get Wong] [Gee Kee 黃]
Gender: Male
Age: 38
Birth Date: 1867
Birth Place: San Francisco, California
Residence Address: 7 & 9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1896
Arrival Place: Malone, New York
Arrival Date 1: 1912
Occupation: Merchant
Comments: Partnership List of Soy Kee & Co in File
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1905-1911
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 95, 394
Box: 324
Quong Chan Wong [Waim Wong] [Wai Gai Wong] [Quong Chan 黃]
Gender: Male
Age: 32
Birth Date: 1887
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Additional Residence Address: Wilson Academy
Additional Residence Place: Nyack, New York
Arrival Date: 1906
Arrival Place: Vancouver, British Columbia
Place of Origin: Soy Sick Village, Pun Yu Dist.
Occupation: Merchant
Sponsor: Soy Kee Co.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1919-1921
Case Description: D
Case Number(s): 33, 339
Box: 226
Quong Too Won [Quong Too 黃]
Gender: Male
Age: 27
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1906
Arrival Place: Malone, New York
Arrival Date 1: 1938
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Suey Sung, Pun Yee
Occupation: Son of Merchant
Occupation 2: Merchant
Comments: Partnership List Soy Kee & Co merchant Father Wong Kum Young
Sponsor: Soy Kee & Co.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1913-1938
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 125, 911
Box: 376
The following people were found through their World War I draft cards that required the name of their employer.
Soy Kee & Company
Bon Chan
Age: 21
Birth Date: 6 Mar 1897
Birth Place: Canton, China
Street Address: 7 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Employer: Soy Kee & Co
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Relative: Chen Wing
Relative's Relationship: Friend
Signature: June 5, 1918
You San Chan
Race: Oriental
Age: 38
Birth Date: 11 Mar 1880
Birth Place: Canton, China
Street Address: 7 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Salesman
Employer: Soy Kee & Co
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Relative: Ho Kai
Relative's Relationship: Friend
Signature: September 12, 1918
San Kan Chon
Race: Mongolian
Marital Status: Married
Age: 25
Birth Date: Feb 1892
Birth Place: San Francisco, California
Street Address: 7 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Salesman
Employer: Soy Kee Co
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Slender
Height: Short
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Signature: September 20, 1918
Sam Chu [Chu Gain’s brother]
Address: 7–9 Mott Street
Birth Date: June 19, 1881
Age: 37
Race: Oriental
Birthplace: China
Occupation: Clerk
Employer: Soy Kee Company
Draft Board: 094
Next of Kin: Young Gain
Height: Medium
Build: Stout
Eyes: Black
Hair: Black
Signature: September 12, 1918
Dan Dick
Race: Oriental
Age: 44
Birth Date: 30 Oct 1874
Birthplace: China
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Salesman
Employer: Soy Kee Co
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Relative: Dan Jum Wali
Relative's Relationship: Cousin
Signature: September 12, 1918
Wong Get
Race: Mongolian
Marital Status: Married
Age: 27
Birth Date: 16 Sep 1889
Birth Place: Canton, China
Street Address: 7 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Salesman
Employer: Soy Kee Co
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Signature: June 5, 1917
Ho Jew
Race: Mongolian
Marital Status: Married
Age: 25
Birth Date: 25 Nov 1893
Birthplace: Canton, China
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Salesman
Employer: Soy Kee Co
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Signature: May 27, 1918
Ho Kai
Race: Mongolian
Marital Status: Married
Age: 27
Birth Date: 28 Mar 1890
Birthplace: Canton, China
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Importer
Employer: Soy Kee & Co
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Slender
Height: Tall
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Signature: June 5, 1917
Dong Hong Koi
Race: Oriental
Age: 40
Birth Date: 14 Mar 1878
Birth Place: China
Street Address: 7 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Importer
Employer: Soy Kee & Co
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Slender
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Relative: Dong Well
Relative's Relationship: Friend
Signature: September 12, 1918
Lee Shont
Age: 35
Birth Date: 16 Aug 1884
Birthplace: China
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: China Store
Employer: Soy Kee
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Signature: September 12, 1919
H Foo Wing
Race: Mongolian
Marital Status: Single
Age: 24
Birth Date: 8 Jun 1893
Birthplace: San Diego, California
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Clerk
Employer: Soy Kee
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Slender
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Signature: June 5, 1917
Yen Wong
Marital Status: Married
Age: 27
Birth Date: 24 Dec 1881
Birthplace: Canton, China
Race: Mongolian
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Merchant
Employer: Soy Kee Co
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Straight Black
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Signature: June 5, 1917
Hoe Yee
Race: Mongolian
Marital Status: Married
Age: 26
Birth Date: 14 Oct 1891
Birthplace: Canton, China
Race: Oriental
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Salesman
Employer: Soy Kee Co
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Stout
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Signature: June 5, 1917
Port Arthur Restaurant
Lew Chong
Race: Oriental
Age: 35
Birth Date: 14 Jan 1883
Birthplace: China
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Cook
Employer: Port Arthur Restaurant
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Relative: Young Ken
Signature: September 12, 1918
Ah Fong
Race: Oriental
Age: 38
Birth Date: 12 Dec 1879
Birthplace: China
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Kitchen Helper
Employer: Port Arthur Restaurant
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Slender
Height: Tall
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Relative: Tai Hung & Co
Relative's Relationship: Friend
Signature: September 12, 1918
Yung Gin
Race: Oriental
Age: 35
Birth Date: 15 Dec 1883
Birthplace: China
Street Address: 9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Manager
Employer: Port Arthur Restaurant
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Relative: Wife in China; Sam Chu
Signature: September 12, 1918
Chin Gow
Race: Mongolian
Marital Status: Single
Age: 29
Birth Date: Aug 1889
Birthplace: Singapore
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Cook
Employer: Port Arthur Restaurant
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Short
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Signature: June 5, 1917
Som Gun
Race: Oriental
Age: 45
Birth Date: 7 Sep 1873
Birth Place: China
Street Address: 7 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Cook
Employer: Port Arthur Restaurant
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Slender
Height: Tall
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Relative: Wong Bu Kui
Relative's Relationship: Friend
Signature: September 12, 1918
Fong Ming
Age: 33
Birth Date: 16 May 1885
Street Address: 7 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Waiter
Employer: Port Arthur Restaurant
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Short
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Relative: Wong Kui
Relative's Relationship: Friend
Signature: September 12, 1918
Woo Suey Kwong
Race: Oriental
Age: 45
Birth Date: 24 Dec 1872
Birthplace: China
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Cook
Employer: Port Arthur Restaurant
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Relative: Cho Kin
Signature: September 12, 1918
SIDEBAR: Some Tenants at 7–9 Mott Street
Chinese Empire Reform Association moved from 5 Mott Street to 7–9 Mott Street.
The fourth person from the left or right is Joseph Singleton.
The Chinese Reform News started as a 16-page weekly. The paper’s office was originally at 5 Mott Street. The Chinese Reform News, now at 176 Park Row, was featured in The Edison Monthly, February 1912.
The New York Evening Post, October 8, 1917, reported the World War I draft and said
... Of the fifty-three drafted men, seven were Chinese, including Foo Wing, who has been in business at 7 and 9 Mott Street, and who was formerly a United States Government interpreter at San Francisco. ...
The following men were found through their Chinese Exclusion Act case files.
Key Chan [Key 陳]
Gender: Male
Age: 15
Birth Date: 1 Nov 1907
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 8 Dec 1921
Arrival Place: New York, New York
Place of Origin: Go Bin Village, Sun Woey Dis
Occupation: Minor Son of a Merchant
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1921-1922
Case Description: A
Case Number(s): 6, 774
Box: 19
Chee Law [Tai Tow Law] [Chee 劉]
Gender: Male
Age: 31
Birth Date: 1898
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7 Mott St.
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1908
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 1923
Arrival Place 1: San Francisco, California
Place of Origin: Gong Boy, Nam Hoi
Occupation: Son of Merchant
Comments: Laborer's Return Certificate Approved July 1929
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1929-1929
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 134, 9
Box: 412
Shuit Lee [Shuit 李]
Gender: Male
Age: 38
Birth Date: 1883
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 13 Aug 1902
Arrival Place: San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 29 Sep 1923
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Occupation: Merchant
Number of Children: 1
Comments: Deported, 4/25/1930, Reason Unknown.
Sponsor: The World Trading Co
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1921-1930
Case Description: D
Case Number(s): 6, 710
Box: 17
Ah Fook Lou [See Dep Lou] [Ah Fook 劉]
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 26 Nov 1895
Birth Place: China
Residence Address: 7 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Additional Residence Address: 22 Mott St
Additional Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 14 Apr 1922
Arrival Place: New York, New York
Place of Origin: Lew Oak Village, Sun Woey Dis
Occupation: Son of a Citizen
Occupation 2: Laundryman
Comments: Interrogation Taken in 1924, a Different Birthday- 1/7/1898 was Stated.
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1899-1957
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 6, 1308
Box: 28
Hong Ku Tang [Bock Leong Tang] [Hong Ku 鄧]
Gender: Male
Age: 54
Birth Date; 1878
Birth Place: Hong Kong
Residence Address: 7-9 Mott St
Residence Place: New York, New York
Arrival Date: 1910
Arrival Place; San Francisco, California
Arrival Date 1: 1926
Arrival Place 1: Seattle, Washington
Place of Origin: Wah Ping, Nam Hoi
Occupation: Laborer
Comments: Certificate of Identity #1229 San Francisco 1910
Sponsor: Tung Fong Co
Picture: 1
Document Date: 1914-1932
Case Description: R
Case Number(s): 61, 656
Box: 304
The following men were found through their World War I draft cards.
Tong Jarne
Race: Oriental
Age: 37
Birth Date: 16 Apr 1881
Birthplace: China
Street Address: 9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Merchant
Employer: Own business
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Relative: Tow Sum
Signature: September 12, 1918
Hong Kwong
Race: Oriental
Age: 35
Birth Date: 19 Jul 1883
Birthplace: China
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Merchant
Employer: Self-employed
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Slender
Height: Tall
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Relative: Joe Saw
Signature: September 12, 1918
Ng Leng
Race: Oriental
Age: 33
Birth Date: 25 Nov 1884
Birthplace: China
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Porter
Employer: Hoo Chew [might be Ho Chu]
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Stout
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Relative: Ng Fun Jing
Signature: September 12, 1918
Che To Sene
Marital Status: Married
Age: 22
Birth Date: 3 Nov 1895
Birthplace: Canton, China
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: School
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Stout
Height: 6 ft
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Dark
Signature: no date
Fong Yor Sze
Race: Oriental
Age: 33
Birth Date: 1 Dec 1884
Birthplace: Canton, China
Street Address: 9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Seaman
Employer: Unemployed
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Relative: Lee Sing
Signature: September 12, 1918
Chan Yew Ting
Age: 33
Birth Date: 13 Jan 1885
Birthplace: China
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Salesman
Employer: Ho Guy
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Slender
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Relative: Ho Guy
Relative's Relationship: Friend
Signature: September 12, 1918
Muk Yick
Marital Status: Married
Age: 33
Birth Date: 15 May 1885
Birthplace: China
Race: Oriental
Street Address: 7–9 Mott St.
Residence Place: Manhattan, New York
Occupation: Cook
Employer: Unemployed
Draft Board: 094
Physical Build: Medium
Height: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
Relative: Wong Fa Kai
Relative's Relationship: Friend
Signature: September 20, 1918
(Updated February 14, 2024; next post on Wednesday: An Evening in Cathay (1939))
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