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Charles Tung - Leader of Walla Walla Chinese Community

Galen Tom as Charles Tung presents a different saga of emigration to the region. His is a story of rising above prejudice to become a community leader, providing a legacy from which succeeding generations can learn. Living History Company performances begin at 2:00 pm in the Museum’s pioneer village.

Charles Tung, a leader of the local Chinese community, was born in San Francisco and moved to Walla Walla in 1880. Fluent in both English and Chinese, Tung often acted as a translator for many local Chinese people. His stories of life in Walla Walla as a Chinese merchant are fascinating. Walla Walla was like many communities in the United States of the late 1800s that placed numerous restrictions on its Chinese population. Tung’s accounts are filled with a perspective from those difficult days. Tung owned the Kwong Chung Sing Company, importing Chinese silk, porcelain, and tea to Walla Walla. He acted as Secretary-Treasurer of the Chinese operated Pacific Enterprise Corporation that built a two-story structure at Fifth and Rose Streets in 1911. In 1930, Tung departed the United States for China to enroll his daughter in Chinese schools and did not return until 1939 because of the war there. While in China, he operated a bank in Canton province. Charles Tung is portrayed by fifth generation Walla Wallan Galen Tom. Tom’s grandfather, who also served as a translator, was the last president of the Tong, a local Chinese society; his father is the last Chinese farmer in the area, growing authentic Chinese vegetables. Living History Company presentations begin at 2:00 pm and performers encourage audience participation.

Museum hours are 10 am to 5 pm daily. Admission is free to members, children under 6, and through a reciprocal agreement Tamástslikt Cultural Institute's Inwai Circle cardholders and enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation; $3 for children ages 6-12; $6 for seniors (62+) and students; and $7 for adults. Your admission cost can be applied to a membership, which includes free admission to all Living History performances, priced beginning at $25. For more information, contact Fort Walla Walla Museum at 509-525-7703 or email: info@fortwallawallamuseum.org