Sylvia Sun Minnick

Sylvia Sun Minnick was the first Asian American/Chinese American to serve on the Stockton City Council. She has written two books, SAMFOW: The San Joaquin Chinese Legacy (Panorama West 1988) and The Chinese Community of Stockton (Aracadia Publishing 2002).

In November, 2004, we asked Mrs. Sun Minnick to answer the following questions.

You moved to San Francisco from Asia when you were still a young girl. What were the most difficult or exciting parts for you of coming to America? Did you ever regret coming to America?

I came to America, actually to San Francisco, when I was almost ten years old. I was told before I came that it was so cold even butter could be left out and it wouldn’t melt. I could not believe it; but, it was true. The Pan American Clipper, double-belly, airplane ride was very, very long and we stopped at many small islands to refuel. When we landed in San Francisco I saw my first television at an airport lounge, it was in black and white – wow!

I have never regretted coming to America, except that I missed many of the fruits of the Tropics that are not grown here. We have much more opportunities here than in any other country and we have the ability to think, say and do just about anything that one wishes.

Some of your ancestors had come to California after the Gold Rush. What do you think would have been the hardest part for your ancestors in making a new life for themselves in the U.S. after they left China?

My great grandfather (my maternal grandma’s father) came to California in 1869. He settled in San Francisco and started a shoe and slipper factory in Chinatown. The hardest part of coming to a new land is the fact that they had to leave their relatives and friends behind in China. Holidays are made more special with family around and this did not happen until one’s children, aunts and uncles are part of your everyday life.

The inability to learn English quickly is another difficulty that many faced as immigrants. As soon as one can read and write English fluently then one can enjoy all the pleasures of learning and experiencing school, spectator sports, television, movies and being a good citizen.

What do you think is the most important event in the history of Chinese people in Stockton?

The most important event that occurs every year for the Chinese of significance is Chinese New Year which happens around January or February. There are many traditions associated with Chinese New Year and most are focused on food, friends and relatives and shooting off firecrackers.

What do you think we can learn from the lives of Chinese settlers in Stockton and California?

The Chinese have made many contributions to the growth of California. They took part in the Gold Rush, they were a major force in building the transcontinental railroad and they reclaimed the San Joaquin Delta. Many became farmers in the delta islands. Those who settled in Stockton became active in the community and provided laundries, restaurants and other services that the people of Stockton needed.

What has it meant to you to find out more about your ancestors?

When I trace my family lines I learned that my grandmother had 15 brothers and sisters and our extended family is very large. What surprises me is all the intermarriage among the various clans and how many places they have settled in California and the United States. I moved to Stockton thinking that we knew no one but learned that my mother had several first cousins and their children are my second cousins.

Is there anything else you’d like to add or comment on?

Just to let the children of Stockton schools know that the Chinese have been living in this city since 1850 and we had as many as three Chinatowns all the way up to 1920s. Many of the Chinese families have now had five generations living in this city.

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