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 now closed until May 17, 2025 except for special and ticketed events. The Historical Village will be open for Ghouls' Night Out from Oct. 24 - 27, 2024. The Historical Village will also be open for Once Upon A Christmas on Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. from Dec. 7 - 22, 2024. Gasoline Alley Museum and the shops and restaurants in Heritage Plaza are open year-round.

Exhibit Details

Area

Village Square

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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