Charlie Chin, a teacher for over 30 years and a currant lecturer at the Chinese Historical Center of American Literature, was invited to Skyline College to speak as a part of the One Book, One Community reading series, presented by Barbara Daley (Skyline Library) and the Peninsula Library System.
Eric Brenner, a librarian at Skyline College, introduced Charles Chin, on Oct. 23 in Skylines Theater. Charlie Chin was portraying the life of Yee Fung Cheung, Gold Rush Herbalist. The staged was simply decorated with a table, chair and some little Chinese teacups scattered around the tabletop. Charlie was dressed in ancient Chinese clothing, his accent was thick and in some cases very comical. Once Charlie Chin is in the real life character of Dr. Yee, it is very difficult to separate the two.
Yee Fung Cheung was an Herbalist that came to California from China during the Gold Rush. He originally, like all other immigrants, came here for gold, but wound up opening several Herb stores in Northern California. This time in history is very important to Californians, little do we hear about the contributions immigrants have made to our state.