One of our walks in Cumberland was the Chinatown Historical Part in Coal Creek Historical Park, and I did learn so much about the place. I didn’t even think they had a place like that. But, trust me, if you are on Vancouver Island near Comox, it will be an exciting moment, especially if you love history.
Where is Cumberland Chinatown located?
1951 Comox Lake Rd #1888, Cumberland, BC V0R 1S0
You will see that they have one parking where you can access the site.
History comes to life
Cumberland’s Chinatown was significant as one of the largest rural North American Chines populations of the early 20th century. Although local myth claims it was “the largest Chinatown north of San Francisco,” population data suggests about 1500 residents at its peak.
A few dates
1888: The Union Colliery Company sets aside the swampy area to the southwest of Cumberland for its Chinese laborers, who soon drain the swamp to construct homes and businesses
1891-1899: No.2 Mine, located in Chinatown, is in operation
1910: Chinatown has grown into a self-contained community. Only half the residents work in the mines, and others work as domestic servants in Cumberland or provide a growing number of services in Chinatown.
1918-1923: Golden Era of Chinatown. Over 50 businesses exist, providing all that was needed for its residents and supporting neighboring communities.
Chinatown Social Organizations
In 1921, there were approximately 160 men to every ten women living in Chinatown. This predominantly male population translated into the absence of family and kinship net worlds that would otherwise have been present in traditional Chinese society. Many Chinese men became active in Chinese fraternities in response to this, such as the Chinese Freemasons (aka Chee Kung Tong), the Dart Coon Club, the Chinese Benevolent Association, the Chinese Nationalist League, and family associations.
Although these fraternities had ties to political organizations in China, locally, they were valued for their financial, moral, and social support. Moreover, in the event of illness or injury, these organizations functioned as the only family that residents of Chinatown could rely on.
A bustling community
The two main streets, Chan Gai and Hai Gai, busted with activity. Grocers sold fruits and vegetables, barbers tended to their clients, and the earthy smell of the swamp mingled with lye from the laundries. With hardware, stores, bakeries, apothecaries, theatres, parquetry, and temples, Chinatown was an integral part of Cumberland, the surrounding communities of Minto, Bevan, Union Bay, Courtenay and Comox, and the larger business community of British Columbia. And since 1972, former residents and their descendants have continued to meet annually as the Cumberland Chinatown Picnic Reunion Group.
1923: An inquiry into the 1922 explosion in Cumberland’s No.4, mine lead to the prohibition of “oriental” laborers working underground. The Canadian Government introduces the Chinese Immigration Act (also known as the Chinese Exclusion Act), severely limiting immigration. This, combined with a decline in global coal markets and increasing competition for jobs, puts an abrupt halt to the growth of Chinatown.
1935: Major fire results in 43 buildings being destroyed. Many residents choose to move away rather than rebuild, marking the beginning of the end for Chinatown.
1950’s and 1960’s: Chinatown is practically a ghost town.
1963: Village of Cumberland is unsuccessful in acquiring a grant to restore Chinatown as a tourist attraction.
1968: With the remaining buildings declared a fire hazard, Chinatown is razed by the Village of Cumberland.
1970-2000: With the residents and buildings gone, the private landowner leases the Chinatown site to the Cumberland Rod and Gun Club, which uses a gun range.
2002: Property ownership is transferred to the Village, and the site is designated “Perseverance Creek Historic Park.”
2008: Park is renamed “Coal Creek Historic Park” at the request of former residents to recognize the historical common name of the creek.
Jumbo’s Cabin:
It is the only remaining building left from Chinatown; Jumbo’s Cabin was built in the 1920s. Its first tenant was mine manager, Sam Davis. The building later became both a company jailhouse and storage shed. Its final tenant was For Sue Mah, nicknamed “Jumbo” because of this great strength. He lived in the cabin until Chinatown’s razing in 1968. The cabin was moved to this site on Comox Lake Road in the early 1980s.
Why should you visit this place?
It is always great to enjoy some outdoors and learn more about the history surrounding the place.
And let me know if you learn much about this place.
