Partners in Preservation Video Up!

For those of you who weren't able to make it to the ceremony or just want another look at our video, here it is:

Why I support

This historic building, once the property of the On Leong Tong Merchants' Association, was constructed in 1926 by the famous Chicago architectural firm Michaelsen & Rognstad, with terra cotta work completed by the American Terra Cotta & Ceramics Company of Crystal Lake, IL, and is the largest On Leong Tong building in the US. Its significance extends beyond the architectural and into the social and historical dimension. Here, disputes and contracts were determined among the early laundry and restaurant dominated communities, Chinese classes and civic lessons for the kids were taught, and control leveraged over backroom gambling and other enterprises where the tong, with its economic, political, and street enforcement power over the Chinese community, held sway over this particular Chinatown, with the approval, tacit or otherwise, of the Chicago Outfit. Even after the evangelical Chinese Christian Union Church took after the building was seized by the Federal government -- and perhaps because the CCUC took over the building -- it remains an vitally important living document of the changes to the Chinatown community in the 1st/25th Ward over the last 80 years, and as such, our understanding the Asian American historical experience in Chicago, and the broader Chicago historical experience as a whole.

Submitted by ChineseChicago, Chinatown

Gateway to new horizons

The building is used for a variety of activities throughout the week that contributes greatly to the immigrant community it serves. I volunteered a couple years ago as an after-school tutor for high school students. The students were very enthusiastic about every session. I quizzed them on SAT/ACT preparation. All of the students are now in college - all the first to ever do so in their family. Pui Tak Center is a gateway to a better future for those who immigrated to this great country. Pui Tak remains a hub of community cooperation.

Submitted by Monty, Downtown Chicago

Remember

I am not from Chicago but have close contacts to the area. The On Leong building must be preserved. It is one of many symbols of the many and yet unsung contributions that the Chinese people gave to the USA. History has forgotten the sacrifices "we" gave to this country. History has forgotten the "exclusion" we suffered as a Chinese people. Its preservation will help keep the memories and continue the present work of the church and community.

Submitted by Anonymous, Northeast region

Our American Experience - Pui-Tak Center Chinatown

My grandfather and his brother came to the USA in the 1910's from southern China. Eventually, they traveled from Portland, Oregon to Chicago. Back then, the Chinatown was very small. The now historic landmark that they and many others pooled their money to build is the On Leong Building.Our grandparents were proud of being part of Chinatown. This building became the Pui-Tak Center. The faith based CCUC is now using with a mission and purpose reaching beyond the four walls of the building serving the Chinese community with social services and character building ministries. I am pleased even the building's Chinese name 'Pui Tak' reflects that goal. We would put to good use with the building grant to repair and preserve one legacy passed on from our generations of Chinese Americans and their sacrifices.

Submitted by T'ang people, Chicago

A Shelter and Place of Redemption

I was in need of housing while in seminary at Moody Bible in Dec. of 1999. By God's grace I was able to move in to Pui-Tak . That December of 1999 was so special because Pui-Tak was a shelter in the storm of what was going on in my life. I lived there from December 1999 until October 2001. I appreciate CCUC and what they did not just for me but for the gentlemen whom lived in the building. Pui-Tak is all things to all people. It is such an exciting story of redemption as its past includes being a place of gambling and prostitution. Now it is a place for ESL, for VBS, for community outreach, and for worship. I loved leaving on Friday nights for my basketball games and hearing and seeing CCUC's youth group meeting in the basement. Finally, I also remember waking up at the end of January 2000 to the sounds of fire crackers and other explosives, one would have thought it was the Tet Offensive. I stupidly forgot it was Chinese New Year, I did not sleep much that night. Pui-Tak really does deserve to be preserved, it is falling apart in many areas and should be restored much like of Lord Jesus restores human life.

Submitted by Manila Ice, Chicago's Near West Side/UIC