Los Angeles Chinatown has witnessed numerous overseas Chinese immigrants following the ideals of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and supporting the establishment of the Republic of China.
On March 10th, a unique historical artifact donation ceremony took place at the Eng Family Association Hall in Los Angeles, where a century-old safe deposit box, known as “gaap maan” in Cantonese, was officially donated to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles for preservation. This heavy steel safe, which once safeguarded fundraising and military bonds during the Xinhai Revolution, is considered a significant historical testimony to the strong support for democratic revolution from the Chinese diaspora in Southern California.
Director Jí Qìnyào of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, and several local political figures and community leaders attended the donation ceremony. Key members from the Eng Family Association, including Chairman Zhou Sìxuán, Vice Chairman Zhāng Zìháo, elders Mǎ Péidào and Zhōu Jǐn hàn, and Chinatown Association Chairman Niè Zéyīng, Vice Chairman Zhū Bàitán, and advisors Wǔ Shàng qí and Huáng Zhōngyàn, were present to collectively safeguard this piece of glory belonging to Chinatown.
Chairman Niè Zéyīng of the Chinatown Association and Eng Family Association elder introduced that the Eng Family Association has been a pillar of Los Angeles Chinatown since its establishment in 1877. He emphasized that the ancestors upheld national righteousness a century ago, not only embracing Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Three Principles of the People but also contributing financially and physically during the most difficult times of the revolution. The donation of this century-old safe deposit box used to store revolutionary funds aims to provide professional preservation of this authentic historical document showcasing the dedication of overseas Chinese to the revolution and the deep-seated friendship towards the Republic of China.
Manufactured by the American company MacNeale & Urban Company in the late 19th century (around 1855 to 1903), this safe deposit box weighs 300 pounds. During that tumultuous era, this valuable $1,500 “gaap maan” was the Eng Family Association’s most sacred treasury, specifically used to safeguard the modestly collected revolutionary funds from fellow Chinese immigrants.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the government while receiving the artifact, Jí Qìnyào mentioned the inseparable connection between Los Angeles and the founding history of the Republic of China. Dr. Sun Yat-sen visited Los Angeles four times between 1904 and 1911, feeling the enthusiastic support of local Chinese immigrants during each visit.
Jí Qìnyào stated that this safe deposit box is not just an antique but a testament to the selfless contributions of overseas Chinese in the pursuit of democracy and freedom. He expressed that receiving this historically significant item at the first anniversary of the new office building symbolizes the intertwined traditional friendship between the diaspora and the Republic of China to be passed down through generations.
He also expressed sincere appreciation to the Eng Family Association for donating the over a century-old safe deposit box to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles. In the past, this safe was used to store revolutionary funds during Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s revolution, holding significant historical meaning. Established in 1877, the Eng Family Association has witnessed this history, and being able to accept this precious artifact on behalf of the government before leaving office holds significant importance.
Historical records note that members of the Eng Family Association not only assisted Dr. Sun Yat-sen in organizing speeches and fundraising but also took risks in safeguarding and assisting in transporting revolutionary funds back to China. Chairman Zhou Sìxuán stated that this donation not only demonstrates respect for history but also aims to continue promoting the universal values of the Three Principles of the People and “The World is for All” in contemporary society.
As this century-old safe deposit box transitions to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, it will step out of the Chinatown entrance and into the public eye, becoming a part of Southern California’s Chinese immigrant history, narrating to every visitor how a century ago, Chinese compatriots in Los Angeles crossed oceans with sincerity to nurture the fruits of Asia’s first democratic republic.
Chairman Zhou Sìxuán was pleased with the presence of distinguished guests and dignitaries at the donation ceremony. He revealed that despite offers from Hong Kong and Cantonese compatriots to purchase the safe deposit box, the Eng Family Association insisted on not keeping it for private collection, aiming to preserve the historical testimony of overseas Chinese support for Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s revolution for future generations to cherish and appreciate. To ensure the proper preservation of this valuable historical asset and allow more people to understand this history, the decision was made to donate the artifact to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office for safekeeping.
Congresswoman Judy Chu mentioned that overseas Chinese played a crucial role in the modern history of China’s pursuit of a democratic republic. Dr. Sun Yat-sen tirelessly sought support worldwide during that time, and the Los Angeles Chinese community held multiple gatherings and fundraisers to assist. This century-old safe deposit box is not only a precious historical artifact but also symbolizes the beliefs and unity of the diaspora towards ideals of freedom and democracy; preserving this artifact appropriately will help future generations understand this history. ◇