Dedication of “Chinese Deadline” Plaque

<< Back to archives | Wednesday, June 8, 2011

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Professor Ning Yu speaks about the Chinese inscriptions he wrote on the new granite plaque at the dedication ceremony this afternoon in Fairhaven.  The Old Fairhaven Association replaced a historical plaque that remembered the “Chinese Deadline” of a hundred years ago - a city law that forbid Chinese from going up Harris Avenue beyond 8th Street.  Hundreds worked in the salmon canning plants by the waterfront and were not allowed to go into the commercial district of Fairhaven.  Today, Mayor Dan Pike - seen by the light pole - offered an apology to the Chinese Community. 

This photo shows the plaque and its location next to the sidewalk where it crosses Padden Creek at 8th Street.  The original plaque was installed by Tyron Tillson, a Fairhaven historian, back about 1990.  It was mysteriously removed about two years ago.  Over the past months, the Old Fairhaven Association has worked with the Northwest Chinese Cultural Association to replace the plaque.  Xinrong Lynch, president of the Chinese Association, spoke and emphasized that we should know the past but we should focus on the future with all groups tolerating and accepting each other.  This was echoed by other speakers. 

The original plaque wording is shown - and below is the added wording about the the mayor’s apology.  Along the sides is the Chinese written by Ning Yu which is a saying from Confucius and roughly translated says; Study the past if you would know the future.  Over 70 people attended the ceremony and it was a festive event.  The sun came out as the ceremony was to begin - a fine portent for the future.
Our thanks to Tip Johnson for the photos. 

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