Hiking And Recreation

The gold mines of Oregon were mined by the Chinese in the 1800’s and a small town of John Day was the home to many of them.

The need for medical care, supplies and conversation were part of the Kam Wah Chung trading posts daily routine when miners gathered to share their experiences, or to get the medical help they needed from Doc Hay. Doc Hay had a supply of over 500 herbs used to treat every known ailment, all kept in the apothecary which had iron bars over the windows to keep unwanted “guests” out.

Volcanic tuff which was quarried locally provided the foundation and first level of the building while the second story was built using pine wood planking. With time the building became worn and weathered, but the history connected to the building teaches us about the life and times of the Chinese workers in the 1800’s in small John Day.

Two men, Doc Hay and Lung On owned the building but were not selfish with their home, they opened the doors to relatives, travelers and indigent workers that needed shelter for a time. In the 1940’s this ceased, times had changed.

Entering the Kam Wah Chung Museum will open the door to your for a wealth of information about how the Chinese miners lived. It has a display of Chinese art work and written information for you to browse. You will also be able to tour the 7 rooms including the kitchen, medical room, general store area, stockroom, herb room and two bedrooms. This opportunity to study the history of Oregon is one you will be glad you took the time to explore.

You can visit the museum from May 1st through September 30 when it closes for the winter. The facility is wheelchair accessible. The hours are from 9 - 5 seven days a week during the season.

Located on NW 1st Ave. in John Day, Oregon this Museum will take you on a trip through history. They would love to have you visit so mark it on your route.