Chinese in Maine

A very early ad for a Chinese owned business - click to enlarge
Photo: Maine Historical Society via www.mainememory.net

    People of Chinese ancestry or from China have lived in Maine for many years.  The early population reach 160 before 1920 when many left Maine for larger cities, because; mechanical and technological changes eliminated the need for hand laundries.
   The ad above was for a Tea Store owned by Mr. Foo.  Mr. Foo had worked for the George C. Shaw Company in Portland and left to open his own store.

Chinese Sunday School class picnic c1890, in Augusta - click to enlarge
Photo: Maine Historical Society via www.mainememory.net

  Many of the early Chinese people in Maine joined Churches and participated in Sunday Schools in order to learn English and for the social activities.  I can find no record of whether or not they were or became a part of the Christian Religion.

Charlie Goon ran this Chinese Laundry - click to enlarge
Photo: Maine Historical Society via www.mainememory.net

  Mr. Goon had his business on Washington Street in Sanford, Maine.  My parents rented for a short time on this street after moving back from Ohio, the building looks familiar, maybe it's still there.

Main Street Lewiston 1920 - click to enlarge

Photo: Maine Historical Society

 

  There is a Chinese Restaurant in this photo; it advertised Chop Suey and "regular American food".