Immigrant Voices from Portland’s Historic Chinatowns, a panel discussion in the History Pub series, takes place Monday, 29 February 2016 at the Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd).
Bertha Lee Saiget was raised on the outskirts of Chinatown by parents who were new immigrants from China. Bertha was a long time Headstart teacher for Portland Public Schools and a graduate of Oregon State University.
Kenneth Fong was born in Old Chinatown and is a retired high school principal. His father was both a tailor and one of two owners of the largest casino in Chinatown.
Robert Luck was born in New Chinatown, where his parents ran a lottery in their storefront on Northwest Sixth Avenue two blocks from Union Station. As a boy, he worked in Chinatown restaurants and was a runner for his family lottery, delivering tickets and picking up winnings based on two drawings a day. He received a university education and became a successful aeronautical and electrical engineer, working for Bonneville Power and firms in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. He has also had a semi-professional acting career.
History Pub is presented by McMenamins, Oregon Historical Society, the Oregon Cultural Trust, and the Holy Names Heritage Center. This event is free and open to all ages. Doors open at 6 PM, and the talk begins at 7 PM.
Great program. I’m so happy I was there to listen. Thanks.