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Miners in Oregon were often Chinese in the 1800’s. The town of John Day became the central focus for many of them as they made it their home.

Kam Wah Chung Trading Post was the central gathering place for the miners at the end of a long day. Here they could compare their day with other miners, get treated for the ailments they had with Doc Hay providing the herbs necessary to resolve their problems. With a supply of over 500 herbs Doc Hay was able to provide nearly everything known to treat many problems for the miners. The herbs were so precious that they were kept in the apothecary which was secured with iron bars over the windows.

Using locally quarried volcanic tuff the first floor of the building was built with the balance of the building created out of pine wood planking. The years show on the building, the weathering and the wear of time have created a wonderful reminder of what living at that time was like.

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.

Today the Kam Wah Chung Museum shares the wealth of history about Oregon and the Chinese population by displaying Chinese art work, the tour of the building with its 7 different rooms including the bunkhouse, two bedrooms, the general store area, the kitchen, stockroom, herb room and medical room. Not a lot of space to house the many people that crossed its threshold but still a home, where care was given and history created.

The Museum is open from May 1 - September 30 for your enjoyment. The hours are from 9 - 5 seven days a week during this time. The Museum is handicap accessible.

The Museum is located on NW 1st Ave. in John Day, Oregon and waiting to take you on a trip through time. Come and enjoy the experience and learn how things were in the 1800’s in a little mining town in Oregon.