Cathay Band

Archive

-

Chinese Historical Society of America

Name/Title

Cathay Band

Entry/Object ID

FIC-B-000384

Scope and Content

The Cathay Band poses inside the meeting hall of the Chinese Six Companies at 843 Stockton Street, c. 1911-1912. Photographer unknown (from the collection of the Chinese Historical Society of America). Mounted oversized sepia toned photo, photographer: Fred Hartsook , approx. 1911.

Context

Chinese American history; "Through a Chinese American Lens", by Doug Chan https://demospectator.tumblr.com/tagged/Cathay%20Band "[Around 1911] thirteen Chinese boys went to Chinese Six Companies Association, the organization that led and controlled Chinatown, and asked if they could form a band that played western-style marching band music. The Six Companies agreed that such a band would be good for the community and in a matter of days raised the sum of 2,000 dollars for a band teacher, instruments, and a practice room. The Chinese Boys Band was born. Led at first by Thomas Kennedy and then shortly after by original band member Thomas Lym (until 1964 when they disbanded), the Chinese Boys Band rapidly grew in size and status. When they merged with other Chinese boys bands, they became the Cathay Boys Band. When they incorporated junior bands in 1916, they became the Cathay Musical Society. By 1930 they became the Cathay Club Band or Cathay Band and in addition to music their charter included 'sports, community service, and social activities'." Hung, Louise "Guiding Our Dead, Saving Our Spirit: The Cost of Being Chinatown’s Mortuary Band" May 31, 2021 https://www.orderofthegooddeath.com/article/guiding-our-dead-saving-our-spirit-the-cost-of-being-chinatowns-mortuary-band/

Dimensions

Height

27 in

Width

41 in

Depth

1/4 in