Immigrant Voices from Portland’s Historic Chinatowns
Bertha Lee Saiget was raised on the outskirts of Chinatown by parents who were new immigrants from China. Bertha was a long time Headstart teacher for Portland Public Schools and a graduate of Oregon State University.
Kenneth Fong was born in Old Chinatown and is a retired high school principal. His father was both a tailor and one of two owners of the largest casino in Chinatown.
Robert Luck was born in New Chinatown, where his parents ran a lottery in their storefront on Northwest Sixth Avenue two blocks from Union Station. As a boy, he worked in Chinatown restaurants and was a runner for his family lottery, delivering tickets and picking up winnings based on two drawings a day. He received a university education and became a successful aeronautical and electrical engineer, working for Bonneville Power and firms in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. He has also had a semi-professional acting career.
About History Pub
Join us for beer and history, sponsored by the Oregon Historical Society, the Oregon Cultural Trust, Holy Names Heritage Center and McMenamins, in which you'll hear lively local or regional history while you enjoy a frosty pint or two of handcrafted ale.
