Hu Che-Em

Description

Biographical informationHu Che-Em, commonly known as Hop Chong, was born in Canton in 1873. He may have arrived in WA in 1890. He was a market gardener but further research is required to determine where he worked when he first came to Western Australia.

Hop Chong was listed in the 1912 Post Office Directory as 'Norwood Estate' (an area around Mt Lawley) but by late 1912 he had taken over the Fatt Brothers gardens in Beechboro.

In 1918, he either expanded his existing holdings or moved to the gardens on Beechboro Road that previously belonged to Lee Sang.

He married Jean Hume (who may have been known as Gladys) and had two daughters - Sylvia and Evelyn. His daughters remembered his hard work, simple and clean house and his excellent cooking. His wife died sometime before 1947.

He remained in Beechboro Road until well into the late 1940s or early 1950s. In his retirement years he lived in Maylands, James Street in Northbridge and Leederville.

He was admitted to Sunset Home in September 1962 and died there on 4 April 1964.Other nameHop Chong (other name)Date of birth1873Date of death4th April 1964

Document

'It was a real Boxing Day for Hop Chong'

AAC_Box_3_0781

Hu Che-Em NAA file (NAA Item ID: 3361646)

Hu Che-Em Sunset Home Record 1

Hu Che-Em Sunset Home Record 2

Hu Che-Em newspaper article

Hu Che-Em profile from Bayswater Historical Society

Hu Che-Em pictured around 1948 when he had to register under the Aliens Act of 1947 (source: National Archives of Australia, K1331, 1964/1965/HU C E).

Significant place

RelationPlace of birthPlaceCantonDate1873

Significant place

RelationTravelled toPlaceFremantleDatec. 1890

Significant place

RelationPlace of deathPlaceDalkeithDate1964-04-04

Connections

Item information

ContributorSchool of Social Sciences

UWA Collected

Hu Che-Em

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA