Wing Chong Chinese Laundry


Closed

Hours of Operation

  • Monday

    Closed

  • Tuesday

    Closed

  • Wednesday

    Closed

  • Thursday

    Closed

  • Friday

    Closed

  • Saturday

    Closed

  • Sunday

    Closed

The Historical Village is closed for the season, aside from special events. Gasoline Alley Museum and the Railway Café are open year-round!

Exhibit Details

Area

Town Centre

Download the Map

Category

Building/Museum

About the Wing Chong Chinese Laundry

Interpretation at Wing Chong Chinese Laundry

For the first time, an interpreter will be stationed at the Wing Chong Laundry, telling the story of not only these businesses and their place in the early history of the Chinese experience on the prairies but also to tell the larger story of the Chinese culture and their history in western Canada.

The History of Wing Chong Chinese Laundry

Most Chinese immigrants, nearly all of them men, arrived in Canada between 1881 and 1885 to work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. When the railway was completed, most Chinese found they had not earned enough money to return to China or to send for loved ones.

Many found work as domestic servants or established small service-sector businesses such as groceries, laundries and restaurants. June Jay Tse arrived in Canada to work on the railway, and moved to High River in 1910, starting a laundry business four years later. Tse’s first job at the business was to lead a horse and cart to Okotoks to pick up and deliver laundry. He purchased the building in 1925 for $1,100, and did not retire from the business until 1970. The town of High River donated the building to Heritage Park in 1978.

Red square building

Visit Heritage Park

1900 Heritage Dr. S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2V 2X3

Email: info@heritagepark.ca
Phone: 403.268.8500

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