Day 202: On Leong Tong House, Omaha, Nebraska

📌APIA Every Day (202) - The On Leong Tong House in Omaha, Nebraska, is a significant landmark in Chinese American immigrant history from the early to mid-20th century. Established around 1916, the On Leong Tong was a Chinese American merchants' association. It aided newly arrived immigrants by assisting with employment and providing short-term financial support. From 1938 to 1959, the building at 1518 Cass Street served as the organization's headquarters and became a focal point for Omaha's Chinese American community.

The structure, originally built as a commercial laundry in 1911, was repurposed in 1938 to house the On Leong Tong. For over two decades, it functioned as the business, social, and cultural center of Omaha's Chinese American community. The building visibly represented the Chinese American presence in the city. It displayed the Nationalist Chinese flag beneath the U.S. flag and featured a sign with Chinese characters along its cornice. The house hosted various events including Chinese holiday celebrations, multi-day feasts, business meetings, and social gatherings. It also accommodated meetings of the Gee How Oak Tin Association, an unrelated Chinese family association, further emphasizing its community importance.

The On Leong Tong House's significance extended beyond its role as a community center. It contributed to the history of Chinese immigration, community development, and cultural preservation in Omaha. The building's influence reached its peak during World War II and the early Cold War period, reflecting the changing experiences of Chinese Americans during these times.

The house's period of historical significance concluded in 1959 with the death of Chin Ming Yuet (also known as George Hay), the organization's leader, which led to the tong's dissolution. Although currently vacant, the On Leong Tong House remains the last known building associated with this organization. It stands as a tangible reminder of Omaha's early Chinatown and the impact of Chinese American merchants on the city's cultural landscape. In recognition of its historical importance, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

LEARN MORE:

National Archives Catalog: On Leong Tong House NRHP Nomination Form

National Park Service: On Leong Tong House

Restoration Exchange: Historic Building Spotlight – On Leong Tong House

Omaha Heritage Preservation: On Leong Tong House

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