Day 92: Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park, California

📌APIA Every Day (92) - The Weaverville Joss House, constructed in 1874, stands as the oldest continuously used Chinese temple—or Joss House—in California, earning the name “The Temple among the Trees beneath the Clouds.” Originally established by Chinese gold miners amid California's 1849 gold rush, it showcases an array of artifacts including art objects, pictures, mining tools, and weaponry from the 1854 Tong War, serving as a reminder of the important role Chinese immigrants played in shaping early Californian history.

In 1983, Moon Lim Lee, the final Chinese caretaker of the Joss House and descendant of its founder in 1874, established the Weaverville Joss House Association. Alongside his wife Dorothy, they donated “The Temple of the Forest beneath the Clouds” to California State Parks in 1956, aiming to both preserve the structure and raise awareness of Chinese cultural contributions in California. Today, the association remains committed to supporting State Park efforts in preserving the temple, erected by Mr. Lee’s ancestors.

Fully preserved by 1956, the temple was designated as a state park, maintaining its original interior while reconstructing its exterior with amenities such as a visitor center, parking lot, and the Kuan Yin pool. Additionally, extensive restoration efforts were underway, including the stabilization of the temple's structure and restoration of historical objects. In 1989, a box was discovered at the visitor center containing one of the stolen Chinese Guardian Lions from the 1934 theft. Consequently, the state of California commissioned a new pair of lions crafted by traditional artisans in China, further enriching the temple’s cultural tapestry.

The Weaverville Joss House stands as a cherished relic of California's Chinese legacy, enshrining a rich cultural heritage within its walls. Through the state’s preservation efforts, this Taoist temple serves as a reminder of the contributions made by the Chinese immigrant community in California.

LEARN MORE:

California Department of Parks and Recreation: The Temple of the Forest Beneath the Clouds

Youtube: The Year of the Tiger is celebrated at Weaverville Joss House

California Through My Lens: Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park

Atlas Obscura: Weaverville Joss House

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