Address: 720-722 Market Street Occupied Date: 1948-1966 Architect: Unknown
THE ON LEONG MERCHANTS AND LABORERS ASSOCIATION HEADQUARTERS
"The men at the meeting hear the story-like a jury. They consult and the co-presidents hand down a decision. You know, we Chinese like to keep our problems within our community and solve them ourselves." Annie Leong, St. Louis Globe Democrat
The On Leong Merchants and Laborers Association was a fraternal society was believed to have originated in San Francisco sometime during 1874. This organization offered a safe haven against the (sometimes violent) persecution Chinese immigrants received from the United States. In return for a small membership fee, the On Leong served the Chinese American community by aiding immigrants with 1) language and American customs/practices difficulties, 2) immigration policies, 3) business or personal matters and disputes and 4) the formation of new businesses/alliances.
On Leong, meaning "peaceful," often set regulations to prevent competition and conflict between neighboring merchants. Established in St. Louis sometime after the turn of the century, the local chapter retained its Chinese heritage by complying with certain Chinese traditions. For example, women were not allowed into this fraternal society and the Chinese god of merchants, Gwan Gung, adorned the entrance of headquarters.
In the 1950s, the On Leong association, then located above the Asia Restaurant,
still existed as an aiding organization for merchants and laborers within Chinatown
(although it still excluded women as members). They negotiated with the officials
of the Civic Center-Busch Memorial Stadium project on urban renewal issues.
In addition to political support, this association acted as a heritage center
for the local Chinese, and hosted the annual Chinese
New Year celebration. Charles Quin Chu
resided as the official "Mayor" of Chinatown.
