A History of Boston's Chinatown and Its Restaurants: 1970-1974 (Part 18)

As I mentioned at the end of my A History of Boston's Chinatown and its Restaurants: 1960s, that decade ended on a dark note, an airing of the myriad of problems which plagued Chinatown, and which needed assistance to resolve. On December 7, 1969, there had been a two-hour meeting between the Chinatown community and city officials, to discuss their many grievances. Chinatown had problems including being overcrowded, having substandard housing, a lack of education and recreation facilities, restive youth and destitute senior citizens, unsatisfactory street lighting and street cleaning and crime. The 1970s would see those problems prominently highlighted and discussed, with some positive efforts made to ameliorate the situation. 

The Boston Globe, January 13, 1970, started off noting that “… the Chinese-American community is discovering that only the squeaky wheel gets grease from government.” The article mentioned the prior month's public hearing, concluding that “Indeed, nothing of substance emerged. Some 250 Chinese, many of whom spoke little if any English, listened to 10 city officials, asked some tough questions, got something less than satisfactory responses, and that was about it.”

The article continued, “Traditionally, Chinese communities in the United States have been able to take care of their own.” However, “Chinese Americans are discovering that their limited economic base, restaurants and laundries, to use the stereotypical examples, is insufficient.” What was the solution to these problems? “The answer, clearly, will have to be organization and activism...From the city, the response will have to be more than new programs, essential as these are. Of more importance, government must demonstrate conclusively that it is capable of responding to the desires of people.” 

Would a solution arise this decade? Would the Chinatown community unite to push for change? And what did all of this mean for the restaurants of Chinatown?

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As a brief aside, the Boston Globe, February 13, 1970, reported that James Chow, age 32, of 79 Harrison Avenue, was rescued from the roof of his burning apartment house, which sustained about $10,000 in property damage. However, James was charged with arson and sent to a "mental hospital" for 10 days for observation. Unfortunately, there weren't any follow-up articles about the situation, so it's unclear as to the fate of James.  

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The Boston Herald Traveler, February 16, 1970, began a three-part series of articles about the problems faced by Chinatown. The first article discussed the serious health issues in Chinatown, noting “There is a lack of convenient, specific services—the emergency room at Boston City Hospital is the only facility for most Chinese—and, worse, there is almost total ignorance of what little service is available.” Although statistics were hard to come by, some of those issues included: the tuberculosis rate was four times the rate of the rest of Boston, stomach ulcers were more prevalent in Chinatown than the rest of the city, dental problems were prevalent, pregnant Chinese women often lacked care until their seventh or eighth month, children didn't receive preventative care, and emotional & psychiatric problems were increasing. In addition, “The elderly most often males, live alone, poorly nourish and with chronic illnesses.”

There were a few positive issues, such as the low incidence of venereal disease, in part due to a lack of Chinese prostitutes in Chinatown. In addition, drug abuse (except for a few elderly using opium) and diarrheal disease were also relatively low. 

Why did all these problems exist? The article claimed, “The blame, they say, lies in two areas: on the community at large and the hospitals for their failure to communicate with the enclave; and on the Chinese themselves for denying that emotional physical, and social illnesses do exist among their ranks.” Complicating the matter was a "... slow, but steady, deterioration of the social situation—” (from unwed mothers to “growing agitation among small bands of young militants who want out of what they consider a constricting cultural bag.” In addition, the population Chinatown continued to increase each year due to immigration and new births.

As for crime in Chinatown, “Police insist there has been no increase in reportable crime in the area, that the Chinese still handle their own problems…” However, “… there has been a noticeable increase in the number of young, street-corner gangs armed with rock-blaring transistor radios. And there is open rivalry, some of it serious, between youths born in China and the Boston-born.” A generation divide existed in Chinatown, between the more conservative elderly leaders of the community and the new young leaders, seeking change.  

The Boston Herald Traveler, February 17, 1970, provided more information about the population of Chinatown, noting that from July 1, 1966 to July 1, 1967, 697 immigrants from Hong Kong came to Boston, and that the number of immigrants was expected to remain at this level or increase in the coming years. The elderly, mostly males, comprised about 10% of the population of Chinatown. The average family income in Chinatown was only $5,000 a year and their families averaged 5-6 people per household.  

It was also mentioned that a significant issue concerning the health problems in Chinatown was the language barrier. There was a clear lack of Chinese-speaking doctors, nurses, social workers, and other health professionals, making it more difficult for the people of Chinatown to seek medical help. It was also noted that Tufts-New England Medical Center had plans to reach out more to the Chinese community.  

Finally, the Boston Herald Traveler, February 18, 1970, briefly noted, “It’s the old story: if you share your problems with outsiders you lose face.” This was the position of the older people of Chinatown, and it was difficult to overcome. The younger generations though were far less likely to worry about such matters, and sought outside assistance for their issues. One final bright spot was mentioned, that the suicide rate in Chinatown was extremely low. In 1969, there had been 68 suicides in Boston, but only one of those was in Chinatown.

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The Boston Globe, June 12, 1970, briefly mentioned, “The Boshek Coffee House on Beach st. makes the best pastries in Chinatown.” A year later, the Sunday Herald Traveler, June 6, 1971, reported there had been a fire that began in the first-floor ceiling of the Bo Shek Coffee Shop at 61-65 Beach Street. There were apartments located above the coffee shop. The Boston Globe, February 3, 1974, stated that the Bo Shek Coffee House on Beach Street had some unusual dumpling offerings, priced at 65 cents for an order of 2 or 3, served from a steam table. At some point, the Coffee Shop closed and now is the site of the Great Taste Bakery. 

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The Boston Globe, August 23, 1970, ran another article about the concerns of Chinatown. “Boston’s Chinatown,…, wants to be seen, heard and listened to by city officials and outsiders.” David Woo, age 30, was the chairman of the Mayor’s Task Force for the Resolution of Grievances in Chinatown, which was formed after the December 1969 public hearing. It was noted, “Chinatown has all the core-city affiliations: sub-standard housing and overcrowding, underemployment, poor educational facilities, inadequate medical care.” The reason for the Task Force was that, “Long proud of their ability to take care of themselves, the Chinese are now admitting that government funds are needed and they are calling—often in strident voices—for community control.” It was also mentioned, “The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Society (CCBA) is still undisputed arbitor of domestic, internal affairs of Chinatown such as family squabbles and errant youth, but its role as mediator with the world at large and particularly the government has been largely relinquished to the task force.” This was a positive step forward for the Chinese community, a glimpse of hope. 

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A new Chinese restaurant in Chinatown! The Boston Globe, October 2, 1970, briefly reported that Mr. Chee Ching Yih was now doing business as the Shanghai Restaurant at 21 Hudson Street, the former site of the Gamsun restaurant. The Boston Globe, October 5, 1970, then noted that Northern Chinese food would be available at the Shanghai, although the Boston Globe, October 9, 1970, added that the Shanghai would serves Mandarin, Szhezwanese, Shanghai and Cantonese cuisines.

The Boston Globe, January 29, 1971, provided a review of the Shanghai, although it was referred to as the Shanghai Low. The restaurant specialized in the cooking of Peking (Mandarin), Shanghai and Szechwan. The writer stated, “Shanghai Low does extremely well in Mandarin and Shanghai, acceptable in Cantonese, not quite so well in Szechwanese.” There were descriptions of a number of specific dishes, and it was also mentioned that they served Dim Sum on the weekends, had Lunch Specials for 99 cents, and offered banquets for 4 that typically ran for $8-$12. 

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An extensive report on the problems of Chinatown was issued in November 1970, and its concerns would reverberate throughout the rest of the 1970s, and beyond. On November 9, 1970, the Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) published their report, The Chinese in Boston, 1970, by Charles Sullivan and Kathlyn Hatch. The ABCD undertook this report “as a means of illuminating conditions among one of the City’s least known, yet oldest, minority groups.” In the Introduction of the report, it was noted that “Conditions among Boston’s Chinese, one of the City’s oldest but least known communities, are in many respects worse than among any other group. The population, once static, has grown by 51 percent since 1960 to nearly 8,000 in 1970.” It continued, “Although little quantitative data exists for the Chinese, several comparisons can be made with other groups. In nearly every case, the Chinese community is shown to have greater problems than most others in the City.”

The report claimed that the first Chinese began to arrive in Boston in 1875 and that by 1890, a small Chinese enclave had been established in the Oxford Street area. However, my prior articles showed the establishment of Chinatown was actually on Harrison Avenue in 1884. The report also mentioned that Boston's Chinatown was the fourth largest in the U.S., but only contained about 1/4 of the city’s Chinese population, with about 13,000 in the metropolitan area and 5,000 more in the rest of New England. There were about 1900 Chinese in Chinatown, 2900 in Castle Square and the South End, almost 1,000 in Allston-Brighton, 400 in Parker Hill-Fenway, and 1,000 scattered elsewhere. 

Since 1966, the Chinese population had continued to grow by about 500 people each year through immigration. In Chinatown, about 93% of single person households were men and 18% of households contained 6 or more persons. Single elderly men numbered about 300 out of the 1900 residents of Chinatown. The mean family size was 3.4, compared to 2.9 for the city as a whole. In addition, 78% of Chinatown’s housing units had more than 1 person per room, compared to 8% in the city as a whole. This showed the high population density in Chinatown, which brought its known problems. 

The median family income in Chinatown was only $5,170, the lowest in the city, with 63% of Chinese families having an annual income of less than $6,000, and 21% earned less than $3,000. Interestingly, unemployment in Chinatown was very low, and it's believed that about 82% of the heads of household were employed in service jobs, like restaurants and laundries. In the rest of the city, only 12% of heads of households were so employed. So, though the Chinese often had jobs, it's clear they were very low paying. 

In 1966, the infant mortality rate in Chinatown was 2 and ½ times greater than the city as a whole and 150% greater than in 1960. Plus, incidences of new tuberculosis cases were 192% greater than in the city and the general death rate was 129% greater. Part of these problems was due to the lack of proper medical facilities in Chinatown itself. 

In 1969, almost half of the Chinese students enrolled in Boston public schools were foreign born, but English as a Second Language (ESL) training was provided to only 1/3 of this group. Several schools, with large numbers of foreign born Chinese, provided no ESL at all. This was a significant obstacle for these foreign born Chinese who came to the U.S. In addition, almost 70% of the heads of households in Chinatown possessed less than an 8th grade education, and only 12% were high school graduates. These rates were twice those of the most comparable target area.

Chinatown also had few recreation facilities, including few programs for small children. The only indoor recreation space was the YMCA, which primarily was used by some teenagers. However,“Chinatown teenagers sometimes find the conservative, elder-dominated community a difficult place to live.” The situation was causing problems that once didn't exist. “The delinquency pattern typical of American urban ghetto teenagers, once non-existent in the Chinese community, is beginning to appear in Chinatown. However, it is still largely confined to truancy, runaways and unwed pregnancies. Community leaders are concerned about a developing drug problem among Chinatown teenagers.”

The report also noted that 72% of Chinatown’s housing were deteriorating or dilapidated, compared to only 14% in the city.

These were all serious problems, adversely affecting the Chinese community, but the report stated, “Despite the magnitude of these problems, there are almost no social services directly available to the community. Chinatown itself is not included in any anti-poverty target area, and generally the only voluntary agencies serving the Chinese are those with concerned Chinese on their staff. Knowledge of available services is slight, and the language barrier is often insurmountable without the presence of one of the community’s few translators.”

Chinatown had many needs, and this report provided a framework as to how to help the community.  Chinatown’s Little City Hall had opened in mid-July 1970, “Formed to provide better communication between the Mayor’s office and Chinatown, this municipal bureau also functions as a community center and catalyst for issues and groups.” That however was but a small step forward, and much more was needed to be done. 

For example, some of the report's recommendations included: more low and middle income housing units; existing dwellings are in need of rehab; a community clinic with Chinese speaking staff; more job training and language instruction; more language programs for children and adults; better police protection, sanitation, and traffic management; and more day care. Some of their needs would allegedly be addressed in future projects that were already planned. And as the 1970s unfolded, we would see some positive changes, although much more was necessary. And many newspapers during the 1970s would raise these issues, at least bringing attention to the problems in Chinatown.  

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The Sunday Boston Advertiser, November 15, 1970, printed an advertisement for "Kung Fu--Self Defense" at the Bamboo Hut Kung Fu Club, located at 70 Beach Street. The ad mentioned that the  “Ancient Chinese Fighting Art is Now Open For Public First Time in New England.”

Robberies in Chinatown! The Boston Globe, December 21, 1970, noted that “Robberies of Chinatown patrons are causing great consternation among the merchants and restaurant owners.”

More racist allegations! The Boston Globe, January 12, 1971, briefly reported, “The hotel industry association of the Bouches Du Rhone region announced today that following an investigation it could deny as ‘unfounded’ reports that Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants in Marseilles were serving rat meat disguised as Oriental delicacies.” Such allegations have been lodged against the Chinese in the U.S. as far back as 1854, and there has never been a shred of evidence to lend any credibility to these allegations. It's mind blowing to see these unfounded allegations, based on racism, still being made in the 1970s. 

A positive change for the elderly in Chinatown. The Boston Globe, January 18, 1971, reported that a new "Golden Age Center" would open in Chinatown at 239 Harrison Avenue, occupying the first floor and basement of a building owned by the BRA. Thus, the new Center wouldn't cost the city anything and the Center would pay only a nominal rent of $1 per year. All of the furniture, as well as a gas range, would be donated. The kitchen would provide lunches, costing 50 cents, for the elderly. The chefs and lounge attendants would all be volunteers, and there would even be two Chinese psychiatrists at the Center. 

Another edition of the Boston Globe, January 18, 1971, noted that the Center had opened on the 17th, and served 30 lunches. Eventually, the Center would expand to provide health, legal and social services, recreation and transportation. Deputy Mayor Edward Sullivan was quoted as saying, “Boston owes the Chinese community a great deal. The Chinese have asked little from the city but have given a great deal over the years. They have enriched the city."

Generation gap! The Boston Globe, May 7, 1971, discussed a growing generation gap in Chinatown, and one resident stated, “Young people here can be divided into two separate groups. There are those who were either born or raised in America; and those who came here at a later age after having been brought up overseas.” About 50% of the children were immigrants, and both of these groups were distinct and rarely intermingled, while many parents didn't understand the “new style of American young people.” It was also said that Chinese parents were often opposed to marriages of their children and non-Chinese. The restaurant industry used to provide plenty of jobs for youths but now it was oversaturated, so children had more trouble finding employment. 

Drug raids! The Boston Herald Traveler, June 12, 1971, reported on a series of drug raids, called Operation Ping Pong, mostly in Chinatown, where the police seized “pounds upon pounds” of heroin and opium. The police acquired the necessary information from wiretaps and undercover Boston detectives, who infiltrated the street distribution center. Initially, the wiretaps were useless, as the suspects conversed in Chinese, so the Boston police had to import a Chinese-speaking federal agent from San Francisco. 

The raids led to the arrests of 13 men and 3 women. “The focal point of the operation was a home at 37 Bakersfield St., in the Savin Hill section of Dorchester, which police described as ‘a distribution center.” At that home, they arrested Sueymon (The Stinger) Szeto, age 23, of Canton, China, and he was charged with 9 counts of selling heroin. Jerry Chin, age 17, and John Leung, age 25, both of Hong Kong, were arrested and charged with conspiracy. In all, police raided 9 places, mostly in Chinatown, although only one arrest was made there. So, it seemed the drug network was primarily established outside of Chinatown. 

The Sunday Herald Traveler, June 13, 1971, provided more details, noting that 14 people had been arrested, facing a total bail amount of $985,000. All plead not guilty and a probable cause hearing was set for June 22. The alleged drug ring may have earned $3.6 million a year in drug sales (about $30 million in today's dollars). 

The Record American, June 16, 1971, ran a large ad for the Woolworth Harvest House Restaurant, located in downtown Boston on Washington and Franklin Streets. It stated, “This week only. Oriental Days. Woolworth salute to Chinatown.” The lower level offered Sweet & Sour Spareribs $1.45, Sweet & Sour Pork $1.45, Sweet & Sour Chicken $1.65, and a Special-Egg Roll with Plum Sauce, Chicken Chop Suey, &bFried Rice $1.50. The Coffee Shop offered Egg Roll with Plum Sauce, Fried Rice with Chicken $1.10, Sweet & Sour Chicken. Almond Chicken $1.65, Sweet & Sour Pork, Chicken Fried Rice $1.45, and Chicken Chow Mein, Boiled Rice, & Noodles $1.25. 

More good news. The Boston Herald Traveler, July 12, 1971, noted the opening of the South Cove YMCA inflated bubble facility, at 56 Tyler Street, a 200-feet long, dome-shaped bubble similar to Harvard’s athletic facility. This facility had a drop-in center, full-size basketball court and a gymnasium for youths in the Chinese community. David Woo, the chairman of the local board at the YMCA, called it a “new era for Chinatown.” The facility received financial support from Tufts University and the New England Medical Center.

A shooting. The Record American, July 14, 1971, briefly noted that Fun C. Chin, age 22, was shot in Chinatown outside a Beach Street social club, and he was listed in fair condition.

More good news. The Boston Herald Traveler, August 26, 1971, mentioned that the Chinese American Civic Association inaugurated a six month master planning project “to ensure the growth of Boston’s Chinatown community and stem the increasing physical and social problems of Chinese American in the metropolitan area.” Dr. Edward J. Goon, the President of the Association, stated, “there was a real need for a community center or organization that could aid the 13,000 Chinese American in the metropolitan area and the additional 5,000 through New England.”

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The Record American, October 23, 1971, briefly mentioned, “A new theater for Chinese films is opening in Boston’s Chinatown. The China Cinema, on Beach st., seats 155, and will show films in Chinese with English subtitles, all Hong Kong imports.” 

The Sunday Boston Advertiser, February 20, 1972, added, "Stanley Wong of Boston's China Cinema said his house only shows films made in Hong Kong by arrangement with that colony's film moguls, the Shaw Brothers." They were attempting to obtain mainland films as well, but had encountered much red tape they were attempting to overcome. 

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Fractions within Chinatown. The Sunday Herald Traveler, October 24, 1971, reported that, “A conference on the future of Boston’s Chinatown yesterday showed deep cracks in the community’s traditional unity.” It was then noted, “The split apparently was between the young, militant Chinese who have grown up in the United States and their elder leaders, many of whom still revere the culture of their homeland.” The article continued, “Traditionally, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, composed of 11 Chinese organizations, has been the supreme arbiter in the internal affairs of New England’s 18,000-member Chinese community.”

However, younger leaders, in groups such as the Chinese Adult Education Committee, the Chinatown Drop-In Center, the Free Chinatown Committee, the Saturday English Classes Group, and the Chinese Golden Age Center, were very vocal in their criticisms of the older generation. “The speakers accused Chinatown’s leadership of failure to fight for a fair share of the city’s social services and of failing to stand up to city, state, and federal agencies whose combined projects have gobbled up almost half of Chinatown’s land space in 10 years.” They wanted change, to break with some of the old traditions, and move forward to a better future. 

More drug raids. The Boston Herald Traveler, November 20, 1971, reported that local police and federal agents raided Chung Wah Hong Co., a Chinatown food and curio shop, at 55 Beach Street, confiscating about $150,000 of heroin, two guns, and $8600 in cash. This was claimed to be “the largest heroin seizure in the city this year.” Chuck M. Yee, aka Wun Chin, age 51, of the South End, was the owner of Chung Way Hong, and he was arrested for possession of heroin with intent to sell. “Initial tests showed the heroin was pure and uncut,...” and agents believed the heroin had been shipped to Boston on a ship from Hong Kong.  

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The Boston Globe, November 25, 1971, discussed Dr. Tehyi Hsieh, who just celebrated his 88th birthday at the home of the Chinese consul general in Boston. He was born in China, held many academic degrees, and was married for 26 years to a woman from Pittsburgh. It was also mentioned that he was a justice of the peace, and had married 800-1200 couples from all parts of the world, often performing marriages at his home in Brighton. For many years, he was the only Chinese justice of the peace in New England, but in September, another entered the field, Cmdr William Quan, the national deputy chief of staff of the Disabled American Veterans, although he only performed about 10-15 marriages a week.

The Standard Times, January 6, 1940, mentioned that Dr. Tehyi Hsieh was an author, statesman, and lecturer, and that he had been born in China of "noble lineage." He attended Cambridge University in England. The Standard Times, October 7, 1951, noted that Dr. Tehyi Hsieh, a U.S. citizen and the director of the Chinese Philanthropic Service Bureau of Boston, would take the oath as a justice of the peace on October 8, and would be the first Chinese tin the country to take the oath.   

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A Chinese boxer! The Record American, December 8, 1971, reported that the undefeated Tony Licata, age 19, of Italian-Chinese ancestry and residing in New Orleans, would fight Cambridge’s John Coiley, at the Hynes Auditorium in 3 days. Licata had a press party at the Four Seas Chinese restaurant. This was a rematch, as in October, Coiley, who had been undefeated at the time, traveled to New Orleans to box Licata. In an unanimous decision, Licata won the match, defeating Coiley. 

Coiley, the "battling bartender from Somerville," had won the New England Middle-Weight championship in 1970, and been undefeated until his match with Licata. Soon after his loss, a rematch was discussed. On December 11, the rematch, which was one fight of seven on the card that day, occurred. Licata was considered the favorite for the match. 

The Sunday Herald Traveler, December 12, 1971, reported that in the rematch, before a crowd of 3200, Licata won once again, scoring a ninth round TKO against Coiley. 

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The Sunday Herald Traveler, January 30, 1972, provided a lengthy and informative article about Chinatown, titled Changing Chinatown. It began noting that there were about 3000 Chinese living in Chinatown, inside a 12 block area, with about 300 new immigrants coming each year. About 9,000 Chinese lived outside Chinatown. Chinatown was plagued with white hostility, language difficulties, lack of job opportunities, dilapidated housing, disease, ignorance of social services, and more. 

There was also a polarization of the young and old: "At the extremes are, on the right, the merchants who traditionally hold the community with a tight rein and, on the left, the vocally militant young who would fight 'oppression from the outside, repression from the inside." The young were not pleased that they witnessed 30+ illegal mah-jong gambling joints operating in Chinatown. They were also surprised to read of drug arrests in Chinatown as to them, “It is almost unheard of for a Chinese drug dealer to operate inside the geographic boundaries of Chinatown.” 

Mrs. Caroline Chiang, operator of the Little City Hall and known informally as the Mayor of Chinatown, wanted to bring the community together. The article stated, “Togetherness is the goal. ‘Tai Tung’ is the Chinese word. Now there is a Tai Tung street, Tai Tung Village—public housing—in progress, even a Tai Tung Restaurant.” Some progress, social reforms, had been made in the prior several months. Attention was paid to the 1970 report of the Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD). However, much more was needed and positive progress needed to be continued to help Chinatown and its myriad issues.

 

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First armed robbery! The Boston Globe, February 29, 1972, reported on the first armed robbery by the Chinese in the history of Boston. The victim was Harry Nook, age 70 and the secretary of the Hoy Kew Social and Athletic Club, at 70 Beach Street. The robbery occurred at 6:45am, when four young Chinese males, each carrying a revolver, entered the fourth-floor clubroom and robbed Nook of $450. They fled the club, with the money, and drove off in a sports car. 

The Boston Herald, March 2, 1972, added that the Director of the Chinatown YMCA claimed that the four Chinese youths were not from Chinatown. It was also stated that the Hoy Kew Social and Athletic Club had a drop-in center for older Chinese males, where they could read Chinese newspapers, play mah-jong and Chinese checkers, and get limited help for personal problems. 

More crime. The Sunday Herald Traveler, March 26, 1972, reported that Vincent Lupo, 31 years old and from the North End, was also the manager of a bar known as Lupo’s Lounge in Chinatown. He was sentenced, after he pled guilty, to 2 years in prison on conspiracy charges in connection with the sale of $150,000 in counterfeit $20 bills.

The Boston Herald Traveler, April 6, 1972, briefly mentioned, “take a lesson from Tyler Street. Kon Tiki…and House of Hong are the two leaders in Far East cuisine,…”

A very good Samaritan! The Sunday Herald Traveler, April 9, 1972, discussed how an elderly Chinatown couple, Bark Jon Leung, age 75, and his wife Tuey, age 73, lost a bag containing $10,300 in $100 bills (worth about $77,500 in today's dollars) on March 30 on Hudson Street. Ronnie Chen, a 24 year old student from the University of Rhode Island, was visiting Chinatown and found the bag of money. He went to the police who told him to advertise it on bulletin boards and newspapers, and Ronnie also placed the money in a safety deposit vault. He placed notices on bulletin boards in Chinatown and about a week later, the couple came forward to claim the money, giving Ronnie a reward as well. 

The Boston Globe, May 19, 1972, provided a review of China Pearl, noted to long have been one of the more popular Chinese restaurants. The review stated, “The service generally is merely standard.” It continued, “While the menu makes some bows toward what has become known as Polynesian cuisine, it leans heavily on the Cantonese specialties…” Then, the review mentioned, “And that is just the point about China Pearl’s popularity: Here Bostonians find—the same menu serves for both lunch and dinner—the egg rolls, pork strips, chop suey, fried rice, sweet and sour dishes they think of first when they think of Chinese food. Spectacular? Not often. But comfortable, familiar, reasonable and good.” A couple of their popular dishes included flaming Lobster Hawaii and Champagne Duck. The management of China Pearl also operated Pearl East in Lynn, Jade East in Tewksbury, and Dragon Villa in Medford.

More positive progress. The Boston Globe, August 2, 1972, reported that, for the first time, the state Division of Employment Security was setting up a job referral center in Chinatown, which would be staffed by bilingual Chinese. It would be temporarily housed at the Golden Age Center, while a permanent location was found. In addition, a full-time English training program, sponsored by Mayor White’s Manpower Commission, was ready to begin at the Quong Kow School at 18 Oxford Street. The program would operate for up to 25 consecutive weeks, training 36 students at a time. The class would meet 6 hours a day and students would even receive a living stipend. “Once a student becomes adept at basic English, another will take his place, each progressing at his own pace.”

And more crime. The Boston Globe, August 17, 1972, detailed that Kevin Chan, an 18 year old from the South End, was in stable condition after being shot, a wound of the right side of his neck, the day before while sitting in his car with his girl friend after leaving a Chinese restaurant. The police arrested two youths, allegedly part of a group of 6-7 which had approached Chan's car. Sam Kwong, age 17 of Tremont Street, was charged with assault with intent to murder while the other suspect, age 15, went to the Youth Services Board. It's alleged that the group approached Chan's car, spoke to him, and then slapped him. Chan tried to drive off and was then shot, and the motive for the altercation was unknown. It's believed that Chan was not part of a gang. Chan and his family came to Boston six years ago from Hong Kong and Chan was a senior at Boston English High and also worked part time at the Mai Tai restaurant.  

The Boston Globe, September 3, 1972, discussed how many Chinese fathers worked 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, as waiters, earning only 96 cents an hour plus tips. Chinese mothers often worked at garment factory assembly lines for $1.75 an hour. The article also noted the disaffection of the young, partially from a conservative, elder-dominated mode of life. “Chinese youths often resent having to work as restaurant helpers.” However, one of the most formidable obstacles facing these young immigrants was an inability to speak the English language. 

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More progress! The Boston Herald Traveler, November 1, 1972, published an article about the Tai Tung Village, a 214 unit apartment complex, located ant the corners of Harrison Avenue, Oak Street and Hudson Street, that had been 8 years in planning and building. The Village was going to open to tenants within 30 days. It consisted of 4 buildings, one which would open in 30 days, while the other might open in March 1973. All of the apartments had already been rented, to about 90% Chinese, and there was also a waiting list of about 100 families. The name of the Village, Tai Tung, means “togetherness and equality.” 

The Boston Herald American, March 31, 1973, later noted that the Tai Tung Village opened on March 30. 

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The Boston Herald American, February 10, 1973, briefly noted a recent crime report that indicated auto thefts in Chinatown were the highest in the city, 103.75 per 1000 persons.  

More positive progress! The Boston Herald American, February 24, 1973, reported on the opening of the first community-based and operated health center in Chinatown, located at 197 Harrison Avenue. It “…will offer bi-lingual services in adult medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, family planning, psychiatry, social service, health education, with a special component for chest diseases and TB.” In addition, “The first year’s operating budget of $12 thousand is also comprised of services donated by seven full-time and 15 part-time doctors, nurses and technicians.” The article continued, “The purpose of the center is to make accessible primary health care and social services to the community and bridge language and cultural gaps.”

It was also noted that the previous facilities for non-English speakers, especially the Chinese, had been inadequate. Plus, this new medical center would not be restricted to only Chinese patients nor to only residents of the immediate vicinity. This was a positive step to helping with medical issues plaguing the Chinese community, in Chinatown, and the rest of Massachusetts.  

The Boston Globe, March 5, 1973, noted that about 150 Chinese has petitioned the ABCD for Chinatown to be designated as an “independent antipoverty area,” which would allow residents to be so more eligible for antipoverty programs. It was also mentioned that about 200 Chinese lived in Chinatown while about 3500 Chinese lived in the South End. 

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Dangerous criminals arrived in Chinatown. The Boston Herald American, March 23, 1973, reported that Boston and New York police had begun a cooperative effort to break up a heavily armed gang of young Chinese gangsters, forming a “loosely-knit organization known as the Ghost Shadow'." They allegedly engaged in extortion and selling drugs, and were a New York based group which sent members to Boston several days prior. New York claimed the problem started in 1965 when the U.S. opened up immigration quotas to Asia. “The Ghost Shadow gang is considered militant and dangerous, according to some police sources.”

The police arrested 7 young Chinese aliens in Chinatown and a downtown hotel, and they were booked on possession of firearms. The police initially arrested 4 Chinese (two being juveniles), and seized five guns. After a subsequent stakeout, a car arrived and police arrested 4 more Chinese and found 2 pistols, a rifle and ammunition.  

The Boston Globe, March 23, 1973, then noted that the six arrests included five male Chinese and an 18 year old Chinese female. They were each held on $100,000 bail, a high amount as it was thought they were all a flight risk. 

The Boston Globe, March 15, 1973, ran an ad for the new Aku Aku, formerly the Polynesian Village, at 390 Commonwealth Avenue. The Grand Opening Specials included a Dinner for Two, "All You Can Eat," for $6.50. 

The Boston Globe, April 18, 1973, in a column, James Beard on Food, noted, “Right now there’s a small cultural revolution in cooking going on. Everywhere you find people taking classes in Chinese cuisine, flocking to the newest Chinese restaurants, buying Chinese food to take out.” It also stated, “One top expert is Craig Claiborne, for many years the food editor of the New York Times.” Last fall, he wrote a Chinese cookbook with Virginia Lee.

Robert Moy helping the Chinatown community. The Boston Globe, May 9, 1973, discussed Robert Moy, age 53, who grew up in Brighton and later served in the navy, working for about 28 years at the Boston Navy Yard. Two years ago, he took his pension and then began working as a translator for the Chinese community. There have been some recent difficulties with his translation work as the dialect has been changing. Originally, most of the Chinese came from a small section of Canton and spoke a dialect called Toinaese. Other Chinese immigrants came from different sections of Canton, speaking a different dialect, although it was still understandable. However, the new and younger immigrants don';t come from Canton and speak a Mandarin dialect which Moy doesn’t understand.

Moy had also been working, for about 80 hours a week, at the Golden Age center as a full time coordinator. Every day, the center served a hot lunch to about 20-60 people, all over 59 years old, although Moy was concerned about the rising costs of food. He had been trying to get the elderly Chinese to accept some of the ways of Western medicine. It could be difficult to get them to even given a drop of blood for a test.   

Terrible rumors about the Kowloon! The Boston Globe, May 11, 1973, reported that for the last month or so, the Kowloon Restaurant, “one of the area’s largest Chinese restaurants” “has been subjected to the most vicious of rumors.” The rumors mentioned that the restaurant was being forced to close, maybe by health inspectors because of reheated food and recycled food that was “unfit for human consumption.” The writer noted that Kowloon actually demanded delivery of fresh products 2-3 times a week and they also bought fresh-cut Premium pork and Choice beef. 

The writer also added, “Not only are the stories untrue, but there is not even a creditable reason for the, getting started.” He added, “They are the worst kind of racial slurs.” As for the taste of their food, the writer said, “I will reserve more complete judgment until I am ready to review it. My impression was that it was good, though not dramatically so.” 

The Boston Globe, May 27, 1973, noted that a former garment factory and warehouse, on Edinboro Street, was going to be renovated into apartments and a Chinese restaurant, the Moon Villa. The restaurant space was leased to Winston and Robin Yee. The Jewish Advocate, May 23, 1974, published an ad for the Moon Villa Restaurant, at 23 Edinboro Street, offering Cantonese-Style cooking and Pastries. It noted, “Eat Where the Chinese Eat!” 

The Jewish Advocate, August 22, 1974, reported that the menu at Moon Villa was large and varied, with 15 varieties of soup alone. Three chefs presided over the preparation of pastries, a specialty of the house, including such item as tea pastries like steamed chicken buns, beef meat balls pastry, curry beef turnovers, and sweet pastries like baked coconut cream buns, baked sweet bean cakes, and special coconut cakes.  

A new playground! The Boston Herald American, June 15, 1973, mentioned that Chinatown would get its first "good-sized playground" thanks to a persistent small group that waged a three-year campaign. Named “Pagoda Park,” it's was hoped to open in the early Fall and would be located on 2.5 acres adjacent to the Southeast Expressway’s Kneeland Street off ramp. The park would cost about $75,000 to construct it.

The Boston Globe, July 12, 1973, reported on the Chinese Cultural Center, located on the third floor at 586 Commonwealth Avenue, which was founded by Yon G. Lee, a 25 year old who had a degree in Physics. He was also a native of mainland China who later moved to Hong Kong. The Center was a two-month old project, and it was cultural not political. The Center currently included a growing library of Chinese books and magazines, several art objects, photos demonstrating Kung Fu, weight lifting equipment, Chinese chess sets, a huge drum and dragon costume, a modest record player that continually plays Chinese classical music, and even a pet cat and small aquarium. The Center offered instruction in Kung Fu, literature, language, classical music, cooking, brush painting, folk dancing and calligraphy. 

All Chinese and Americans were encouraged to use the center and there were nearly 40 students currently enrolled. Curiously, most of the students were American. “Most of the Chinese kids are either out of school or they are working. And Chinese kids do not like to learn about the old culture sometimes.” The Center might be the only place in Boston that taught Cantonese, as most other schools only taught Mandarin. Lee stated, “And if you learn Mandarin, you can’t even go to Chinatown and converse. You can’t order dinner.”

The Boston Globe, July 30, 1973, noted that a new youth center, located at 70 Beach Street and sponsored by the Chinese Masons of Boston, was dedicated yesterday. It would offer martial art and athletic programs for young men, aged 16-19.

Health issues in Chinatown. The Sunday Herald Advertiser, August 5, 1973, noted that Chinatown had a "relatively unheralded history of health problems ranging from a high tuberculosis rate to rampant dental disease." The TB rate in Chinatown was about four times the rate in the rest of the city. Emotional and psychiatric problems were also on the rise. Compounding the situation, almost 70% of Chinatown spoke little or no English, and there were few Chinese-speaking doctors, nurses or social workers. 

To help with these issues, the New England Medical Center Hospital and Tufts Medical School, jointly issued a bilingual medical handbook. The idea for this book originated with Kai-May Yuen, a social worker at the medical center. "Each Chinese patient is given the handbook--which is meant to supplement the use of an interpreter, not replace him--on admission to the hospital." Part 1 of the book was for patients to be able to communicate their immediate needs to the staff. It provided translations for many common medical matters, such as the one pictured above. Part 2 allowed the hospital staff to explain routine procedures and dietary issues. This was an important step in elevating the health levels in Chinatown, although obviously much more was still needed.

A Chinese restaurant in the North End! The Boston Globe, August 29, 1973, discussed Joe Bova and his wife, Gilda, of Bova Bakery fame, noting that about seven months ago, they opened an Italian restaurant, Villa Vittoria, in the North End. However, after four months of operation, the restaurant was going broke. Joe realized that North End Italians rarely went to Italian restaurants as they would usually eat similar food at home. When they did dine out, they commonly went to Chinatown. 

So, Joe decided to go to Chinatown and connected with chef Kim Lau. Joe decided to change his restaurant to “Joe Bova’s China Vittoria Restaurant”, a Chinese food and cocktail lounge. Lau became his head chef, and he had other Chinese cooks, although he kept Italian waitresses. After being open for three months, Joe stated, “we’re doing three times as much business as we did as an Italian restaurant.” Joe tended bar while Gilda answered the phone, and his kids waited tables and made home deliveries. The only issue was that only one cook, Lau, spoke English, while half the customers only spoke Italian. 

There was a brief follow-up article in the Boston Globe, October 28, 1973, although there's apparently an error in the article. It stated, “Pat Bente, who opened China Vittoria, the North End’s first Chinese restaurant, has gone a step further in internationalizing the North End: He’s hired a Japanese drummer and American-Indian pianist.” Joe Bova, not Pat Bente, opened China Vittoria. Pat Bente was a local singer, with no apparent connection to the restaurant. 

A Chinatown shooting! The Boston Globe, August 31, 1973, reported that at 2:30am, in front of 55 Beach Street in Chinatown, there was a shooting. Mrs. Willie May Jones, age 33, of Roxbury, was shot 3 times and fortunately her condition was satisfactory. The police said they knew the identity of the shooter, but the article didn't identify the shooter or provide a motive. I couldn't find any follow-up articles about the shooting.

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The Boston Globe, January 11, 1974, reported that Timmy Lee, age 19 of New York City, was beaten and shot in Chinatown about 12:30am. He was dragged along Beach Street to Oxford Street, having been shot 4 times and left face down on a snow covered street. Over 30 people witnessed the attack and the police were seeking 8 assailants. 

The situation got more complex. The Boston Globe, January 12, 1974, alleged that Timmy Lee, age 16, had been the leader of a New York City gang, the Ghost Shadows, involved in extortion and armed robbery. It was claimed that he was a “marked man” and had survived an attempt on his life in New York the previous year. As I mentioned previously in this article, the Ghost Shadows had tried to move some of their illegal operations to Boston in March 1973. In March 1973, Lee and seven of his associates had been arrested by Boston detectives on gun possession charges. Lee had been arrested four times since last March, and the article also noted an “increasing juvenile delinquency rate among Chinatown youth.”

The Boston Herald American, January 12, 1974, reported, “An unidentified Chinese youth was kicked, beaten and fatally shot by a gang of young men in Boston’s Chinatown section early Friday while a group of about 10 persons watched from across the street.” The victim was 19-21 years old and got shot  4 times in the back at about 12:15am, dying in the Mass General Hospital at 1:30am. None of the witnesses could identify the attackers or victim. This was noted as the 3rd homicide in Boston that year.  

A later edition of the Boston Herald American, January 12, 1974, provided more details. The victim was Timmy Lee, age 19 and of New York City. He had been visiting a girlfriend in Boston, and on the night in question, Lee had attended a movie alone, and was headed back to his girlfriend's house. On route, he got into an argument with a gang of 6-10 young people, who brutally beat him, and then shot him. A group of horrified spectators looked on. This was only the second case of aggravated assault to occur in Chinatown in the past 2 years.  

The Sunday Herald Advertiser, January 13, 1974, reported that Timmy Lee might have been killed with his own gun as revenge for his failure to stop the beating seven days ago of a Boston girl he was dating. In addition, Lee might have been the leader of the Ghost Shadows! Lee traveled back and forth to Boston often, and was dating a Chinese girl from Boston. On January 4, she was savagely beaten by two white girls in New York and Lee was present, although he did nothing to stop it. Both of those girls were from Massachusetts, and pled guilty to a Class A misdemeanor, with their sentencing coming on February 22. 

In the book, In The Ghost Shadows (2025) by Peter Chin with Everett De Morier, it noted that Timmy Lee was also known as Giraffe in the gang. When Timmy Lee and eight other Ghost Shadows came to Boston in March 1973, they planned to rob some On Leong gambling houses to secure money to bail out some of their other gang members in New York City. They were all arrested by the police on gun possession charges. The On Leong placed a bounty of $30,000 on the Ghost Shadows. Timmy was lured back to Boston, where he was captured, interrogated and then killed as he refused to talk.

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More crime in Chinatown? The Boston Globe, January 28, 1974, reported that two police officers, Arthur Linsky, of the Narcotics unit (a veteran cop since 1956), and his partner, Peter O’Malley, were allegedly conducting a narcotics investigation at the corner of Beach and Tyler streets, in Chinatown, at 3 a.m. on Saturday. They were attacked by a group of youths and Linsky was knocked to the ground, hitting his head on the sidewalk. O’Malley was also kicked and knocked down.

The Boston Herald American, January 28, 1974, reported that Police Det. Arthur Linsky of the Boston Drug Control Unit was in the ICU due to a beating. His partner, Peter O’Malley, stated that they were jumped by 4 men in Chinatown while investigating a tip. They were continuing an investigation from which had resulted in an arrest and seizure of a kilo of heroin in Chinatown. Linsky’s head was slammed against the sidewalk curb while O’Malley was immobilized by a kick to the groin. Linsky sustained a fractured skull and a concussion.  

The Boston Herald American, January 29, 1974, noted that Linsky was doing better, that his condition was stable and fair, and no surgery was probably needed.

Problems with the investigation. The Boston Globe, January 30, 1974, mentioned that the police were investigating “an apparent breakdown in internal procedures in reporting a case,” that in which Linsky and O’Malley were attacked. Some departments were not informed as required by normal procedure. And the story had changed, so that now it involved 3-4 men who had come running down the street and accidentally knocked the cops to the ground. 

Restaurant business decreasing. The Sunday Herald Advertiser, February 3, 1974, stated, “Speaking of Chinese restaurants, and this time on a serious note, the recent series of happenings in Boston’s Chinatown (the murder of a New York Chinese youth during a street brawl and the vicious attack on two Boston policemen on the corner of Tyler and Beach) have done little to make the area attractive to diners. Chinatown like the North End, was once one of the few areas in town where street crime was virtually unknown, and visitors walked the streets day or night, in complete safety. The grosses of the intown chopstick houses are hurting.”

The Sunday Herald Advertiser, February 3, 1974, also mentioned that Linsky was in fair condition, but with no memory of the incident. His partner, O'Malley, had written a new police report, stating that Linsky had been knocked down by a group as they ran around the corner. 

The situation gets more complex. The Boston Herald American, February 7, 1974, reported that a report from Internal Affairs on this incident would be released in a day or two. The Boston Globe, February 7, 1974, added that the police were investigating whether Linsky was struck by a uniformed cop in Chinatown, and not youths. The uniformed copy might have seen Linksy and O’Malley questioning a man and thought they were involved in an altercation. That cop might then have struck Linsky with his nightclub.  

The Boston Herald American, February 8, 1974, noted that the police commissioner was now weighing possible disciplinary action against one or more police officers suspected of covering up facts in the Linsky matter. Linsky got out of the ICU yesterday, and could be released over the weekend. It was recently learned that a young patrolman had now stated he accidentally caused the injury to Linsky, in a case of mistaken identity. Linsky would then be released from the hospital the next day,

Finally, the Boston Globe, February 12, 1974, reported that Linsky had been struck by another cop, who didn't know he was an officer, and Internal Affairs had recommended disciplinary action against 1 or 2 cops. The charges related to “improper reporting of the incident, not to the action that preceded the injury”

Punishment. The Boston Globe, March 9, 1974, stated that O’Malley was suspended for 5 days, without pay, and received 6 months probation. Patrolman Joseph F. Fiandaca, age 23, who had struck Linsky, received a letter of reprimand, for “failing to report the incident sooner.” The Boston Herald American, March 29, 1974, reported that three officers from the Linsky matter had been transferred to other assignments. Fifteen men, including Linsky, were also re-assigned to the medically-incapacitated section of the personnel division, an automatic transfer for ailing officers who had been off the job for at least 60 days.

The Sunday Herald Advertiser, May 5, 1974, reported that Linsky, age 45, had recently received a medically fit report and would be re-assigned to his old unit next week. However, the Boston Globe, May 19, 1974, then updated the matter noting that Linsky was going to be transferred from the narcotics squad, and might end up on the vice squad.

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Noodles! Who doesn't love noodles? The Boston Globe, February 3, 1974, printed a fascinating and lengthy article on The Noodle: Ancient Useful and Beautiful. The article covered noodles in a variety of cuisines, including Chinese. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, legally a "noodle" must include at least 5.5% egg solids, or otherwise it must be known as an "alimentary paste."

As for Chinese cuisine, "The Chinese have fewer dried pasta than Italians but make much use of fresh noodles." It was also noted that "fresh noodle skins are used to make special filled dumplings called 'diem-sum' or heart's delight." The article continued, "Other fresh Chinese noodles are used in dishes like chown mein or chow fun (fried rice noodles) and they are fried in the now ubiquitous wok. The deep fried crisp noodles ..... are certainly not traditionally Chinese." The meaning of noodles? "For the Chinese, noodles bring great luck, especially during the New Year's celebrations,...They also symbolize longevity and are found uncut at all birthdays and similar festivities."

It was mentioned that dim sum restaurants, offering the dumplings, did not abound in Boston but did exist. The writer claimed that Shanghai Restaurant on Hudson Street had the "most remarkable dumpling to be found in the area." It was called Peking Ravioli, and you received 8 dumplings for $1.95. They also offer a "second mind boggling noodle dish" which is also "the most extraordinary restaurant bargain in New England." The Peking Special Sauce Noodles ($1.60 or $1.15 on the lunch menu) is a "generous mound of well cooked thin spaghetti, sprinkled with some bean sprouts and topped with a sauce composed mostly of ground pork, scallions, and hoi sin."

The Joyce Chen restaurant, on Memorial Drive, had "pretty good" Peking Ravioli, but you only received 6 in an order. Their Peking Special Sauce Noodles ($2.50) were "often more sweet and intense in flavor and might be preferred by some." Peking on the Mystic in Medford, Peking on Fresh Pond in Cambridge, and Peking Gardens in Lexington also offered their own versions of these dishes.

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The Sunday Herald Advertiser, February 24, 1974, began, “Mention Chinatown and most Bostonians will tell you where their favorite restaurant is. But they couldn’t tell you much more.” Chinatown was recently described as the “oldest, but least known community” in a recent report by the city’s Planning and Evaluation Department. Fifty years later, is the situation any different? Unfortunately, I doubt much has changed. Most of the time I hear people talking about Chinatown, it's only about their restaurants. That should change, and more people should learn about the history, culture and people of Chinatown.   

The article then continued, noting there were about 12,000 Chinese in metropolitan Boston, with 2500 in Chinatown. It was then stated, "... the community’s major problems are proper health care, housing for the elderly and developing programs for youths to avert juvenile delinquency…” However, "the overriding difficulty...is getting the community to ask for assistance.” It was also noted, “Teenaged Hong Kong immigrants have the hardest time adjusting to American life,...”

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There was an intriguing help wanted ad in the Boston Globe, March 3, 1974, for cooks, waiters and cocktail waitresses. It was for work at the Kim Lee Restaurant, at 9 Fleet Street in the North End, which was an “oriental steak house, specializing in steaks & lobsters.” This was the former location of the Stella Restaurant and the Boston Globe, December, 31, 1973, ran a legal notice noting the transfer of the liquor license from Stella to the Kimlee Restaurant Incorporated. And the Sunday Herald Advertiser, January 27, 1974, noted that Stella sold their property to Kimlee for $61,700. 

The Boston Globe, April 26, 1974, published an advertisement for the Kimlee Steak House, stating they specialized in Teriyaki Dishes. They were open for lunch and dinner, and also had a cocktail lounge. Six months later, a fire destroyed the restaurant. 

The Boston Herald American, October 30, 1974, reported that a fire had destroyed a North End restaurant the day before, Kimlee, the former site of Stella's Restaurant, and forced 9 people to flee an adjoining apartment. The damage was estimated at about $25,000. The fire was under investigation, especially as, shortly before the fire started, a mother of 4 in the building received a phone call, that said, “Get out of the house. I just set a fire in the basement and it’s going up in flames in a few minutes.”  

Strippers and Chop Suey! The Boston Herald American, October 31, 1974, noted that a “Fire of suspicious origin destroyed the restaurant, Kim Lee’s at 9 Fleet st., early Tuesday morning.” In addition, it was mentioned that the Boston Licensing Board had revoked their entertainment license as they were “accused of serving up girlie shows along with the chop suey.” A name change. “The operator of the restaurant, which changed its name to ‘The Godfather’ when it changed from fried rice to risque floors shows, is James R. DiFronzo, who had nothing to say at the hearing.” The restaurant had a window sign “all girls—exotic dancers” but there wasn't a dressing room for the entertainers. A police inspection said the entertainment license was not being violated in the sense that “the girls were properly dressed—with their breasts and other areas covered.” In February 1976, the restaurant transferred its liquor license to The Black Rose, Inc.

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The Boston Globe, May 15, 1974, noted that “Chinatown is one of the oldest but least known communities in Boston.” It continued, mentioning that Chinatown was home to over 4500 people, and contained 23 restaurants, 12 grocery stores, 8 gift shops, 2 bookstores, 1 laundry, and the “Eastern Live Poultry Company” which had been on 48 Beach Street for 50 years. The owner, Meyer Small, 68 years old, processed about 3000 birds each week. However, other newspapers note the presence of “Eastern Live Poultry Company” at least as far back as 1910, meaning it had been around for over 60 years.

The famous Kowloon! The Boston Globe, June 9, 1974, punished an article about the Kowloon, mentioning that it could seat over 1000 persons. As for a little history, the parents of Madeline Wong first opened a restaurant at that location, calling it the Mandarin House. William and Madeline Wong would eventually take over the operation of the restaurant, naming it Kowloon in 1960. The restaurant had a variety of rooms, including the Mandarin Room, Peninsula Lounge, Tiki Lagoon, and Cliff Room, as well as three other rooms used for private parties, the Volcano Bay Room, Back Street of Kowloon Lounge, and Rainbow Room. A new upstairs banquet facility was recently completed and it could seat up to 475 people.

Their menu offered Chinese and Polynesian specialities. “Appetizers include the standard tidbits Greater Bostonians love—egg rolls, pork strips, barbecued spareribs and fried chicken fingers---“ The menu also offered chop suey, chow mein, fried rice, and egg foo yong dishes, with over 70 choices just for those four items. It was also said to be one of the few places in Greater Boston that offered dancing. The restaurant was opened every day, from 11:30am-2:30am, and on Friday and Saturday it was open until 3am. 

The Boston Globe, June 17, 1974, reported that there were about 11,000 Chinese in Boston, with 2400 in Chinatown, which occupied an area 3 blocks long and 12 blocks wide. Of all these Chinese, there were about 1000-1200 Chinese students, at all grade levels, and almost 600 attended school in Chinatown’s Lincoln-Quincy district.

Chinatown problems. The Boston Herald American, July 24, 1974, noted that Mrs. May Ling Tong, the director of the Multi-Service Center at 85A Tyler St, played an important role in the preparation of the report of the Conference on the Future of Boston’s Chinatown two years ago. “Now, as then, she says, the most serious problem of the Chinese community is one of communication.” She added that most Chinese immigrants cannot speak English so they usually end up working in restaurants. Plus, “There is a lot of mental stress and strain because they don’t understand the American way of life…”

The Report on Future of Chinatown cited a number of problems in the community, including rising juvenile delinquency, marital problems, unwed mothers, run-aways, attempted suicides, uncared for elderly, lack of recreational and social programs, and a need for mental health care. For example, in 1972 there had been only a single Chinese boy in juvenile court, but from January to May 1973, there had been 22 Chinese youths in juvenile court. Making the problems worse, was that, “The Chinese community is not politically strong enough.”

Amelia Erhart in Chinatown! The Boston Herald, July 24, 1974, noted that the famous aviator, Amelia Earhart, came to Boston as a young woman to teach in Chinatown. The Boston Globe, September 26, 1927, mentioned that the Denison House, at 93 Tyler Street and which was the second oldest settlement house in Boston, had several new staff members for its 35th year. One of those new members was Miss Amelia Earhart, who would have been 30 years old at that time. The Boston Globe, November 16, 1927, mentioned that elections for the officers of the Denison House were held the day before, and Amelia was voted as secretary. 

The Republican, June 4, 1928, claimed that Amelia was 27 years old and a social worker in Boston. As she was born in 1897, this is clearly an error. The article also mentioned that she lived in Medford, Massachusetts, had a pilot's license for 10 years, and was on her way to Europe by airplane. The Springfield Daily Republican, June 24, 1928, stated that in the fall of 1926, Amelia started working part-time at the Denison House. During her first year, she had general direction for foreign-born men and women. She did little teaching herself, but engaged in follow-up work in the homes. Last fall, she came to Denison as a resident and full time staff worker, directing the work of girls from 5-14 years, and had general charge of the pre-kindergarten.  

The Boston Herald American, August 16, 1974, discussed the Hunan Restaurant, a new Chinese spot in Central Square, Cambridge. Its menu of 124 items offered Mandarin/Szechuen cuisine, “which is prepared with some hot and spicy ingredients. Hot in this case means taste, not the temperature,…” The Mandarin dishes were prepared in 3 categories: mildly hot and spicy, hot and spicy, and very hot and spicy. Owned by Dan Woo, it had its grand opening on August 12. Dan “hopes to treat his patrons to a new, authentic taste in Chinese cuisine, that they have never tasted before in the metropolitan area.”

More information on Hunan. The Boston Herald American, August 21, 1974, quoted Dan Woo, that “his restaurant has the best Mandarin chefs in the country. Chang Kek Cheng and Kong San Yuk are each rated as four-star chef.” He also said, "no Chinese restaurant he knows of in the country has such highly rated chef.”

The Boston Globe, August 30, 1974, stated that it took Szechwan cooking about 5-6 years to become popular in Greater Boston after it had become the rage in New York City. “The cooking of Hunan has taken only about two years to get here from…where it was introduced by T.T. Wang. It may be described as highly spiced dishes, often featuring smoked ingredients, in tangy, fish-based and other sauces.” There was a brief mention of the new Hunan Restaurant and the writer claimed it did best with his Hunan cuisine. 

The Boston Globe, October 6, 1974, ran a review of the Ho Yuen Bakery, at 54 Beach Street. Its head bakers, Kam Lee Chu and Kium Pui Leung, learned their trade in the Chinese city of Hoisin, perfected it in Hong Kong, and then worked in New York bakeries before coming to Boston. A list of their baked goods ranged from coconut macaroons to gooey black beans in fried dough, fried dumplings to beef buns, as well as 5 different kinds of mooncakes. 

More crime! The Sunday Herald Advertiser, October 27, 1974, reported that Patrolman James Geogilas, age 27 and who was off duty, and James Huckzale, age 38, a neighbor, were kidnapped at gunpoint in Chinatown the day before. They were accosted by 2 men, one with a shotgun, forced into a car and driven to Roxbury. The two men were robbed of their money and as the robbers fled, the shotgun was fired and struck Huckzale in the hand. Unfortunately, there were no follow-up articles detailing what happened next. 

More prostitutes coming to Chinatown! The Boston Herald American, October 30, 1974, stated that the Chinese community had sent a letter to the police, angry about the influx of prostitutes, primarily white women, who had been coming to Chinatown. There had been increased vice arrests in October, as well as an increase in robberies and purse thefts, especially along Tyler Street. The police said they made arrests but judges didn’t send them the prostitutes to jail, and they just pay a fine, about $25. There is also not rehabilitative facility in Boston for prostitutes. 

A crackdown on prostitution! The Boston Herald American, November 1, 1974, reported that the Boston police had rounded up 50-60 prostitutes and made 15 arrests in the Combat Zone and Chinatown. The arrests “had a twist sure to raise the latest—arrests to some sort of legal pinnacle,” as some of the people arrested included the male customers, "johns," who would be summoned as witnesses. 

A murder in Chinatown. The Boston Herald American, November 13, 1974, reported that Francis Mack, a 45 year old from South Boston, had been found dead in a doorway at 72 Tyler Street in Chinatown. He had been shot at least once in the head, an alleged victim of a “gangland type slaying.” Mack managed several lounges in the Combat zone and he was also a suspect in a 1970 gangland slaying. This was the 110th murder of the year in Boston, and the third in less than 24 hours. 

Gambling raids! The Boston Globe, December 10, 1974, noted that federal and local authorities raided a Chinatown gambling parlor and arrested 37 people, with at least 5 being illegal aliens and held for Immigration. The raid occurred at the On Loon, a Chinese social club at 3 Tyler Street. The authorities seized thousands of Chinese lottery tickets, a vast collection of intricate records and over $100,000 in cash. This was considered the largest gambling operation in the area, and action took place 24 hours a day. A 1st floor apartment contained 4 safes, guarded by a man with a shotgun. Two tables of Pie-Kew, a Chinese game of chance played with domino-like chips, was found at the location. The investigators were also looking into rumors that $10,000 a week was being paid in bribes to prevent interference with their gambling.

The Boston Globe, December 22, 1974, published an ad for Mandalay, a new Burmese restaurant, the first in Boston. It also served Chinese food.

The Jewish Advocate, December 26, 1974, had an ad for the House of Toy, "A New Dining Experience!" Located at 8 Hudson Street, it offered “Gourmet Chinese Cooking” with a “Real Cantonese Menu with English Translation.” 

To Be Continued....