[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 145 (Friday, October 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CHAN FAMILY HONORED AS EARLY PIONEERS OF THE VALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 1997

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Gordon and Anita 
Chan, and their family, selected as ``Early Pioneers of the Valley'' by 
the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project in San Jose, CA.
  I know the Chans well as I have had the pleasure of working with them 
over the years on matters important to the district I represent in the 
105th Congress. Among many other things, the Chan family is being 
honored for their valuable contribution in the opening of the Museum of 
Chinese American History in San Jose in 1991, and their continued 
efforts to establish a traveling exhibit of Chinese American history.
  Gordon Chan's grandfather, Chien Lung, came to America in 1880, and 
became a very successful farmer in the Sacramento Delta area. History 
books refer to him as the ``Chinese Potato King,'' a prosperous farmer 
until he was forced to sell his land because of Alien Land Laws in the 
1920's. Gordon's father, Ted Chan, started a successful flower-growing 
business, and served as president of the Chinese Wholesale Flower 
Market in San Francisco.
  Gordon and Anita, who met while attending college, continued working 
in the flower business, and have expanded into real estate development 
and restaurant operations.
  The Chans have shared their success with others in our community 
through their many generous contributions to local groups and 
organizations, and most importantly, they have been an encouragement to 
others to actively participate in civic affairs. Gordon Chan is 
legendary in San Jose for his community work, having served on many 
boards and commissions in our county.
  Mr. Speaker, on October 25, 1997, the Chinese Historical and Cultural 
Project will honor the Chan family as ``Early Pioneers of the Valley,'' 
at its 10th Anniversary Gala Celebration, the Dragon Ball. I would like 
to invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives 
to join me in saluting the Chan family as they receive this very 
distinguished honor.

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