Fiddletown, California: 1855 Chinese Herb Shop
A largely intact 19th century herb shop from the days of Gold Rush miners and Chinese railroad workers.
- Address:
- Fiddletown Rd, Fiddletown, CA
- Directions:
- On the north side of Fiddletown Rd just east of its intersection with Jibboom St.
- Hours:
- Apr.-Oct. Sa 12-4 Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Admission:
- Adults $2.00
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The "Chew Kee" is a rammed-earth structure established as a Chinese herb shop during the Gold Rush. Dr. Yee Fong Cheung, an herb doctor who ran the store in its early years, came to America to administer to the medical needs of the Chinese miners, then later tended to the Chinese railroad workers. In the 1880s a man known only by his store name of "Chew Kee" owned the shop and provided groceries and supplies to the Chinese community. By 1910, however, only four Chinese-Americans resided in Fiddletown. In 1922 Chew Kee deeded the property to his adopted son, Fong Chow Yow, also know as Jimmy Chow. Jimmy Chow worked in Fiddletown, living in the old herb store until his death in 1965.
"Chew Kee" remains largely intact as one of only four remnants of the once-thriving Chinese community in Fiddletown.
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