History

Our history started 75 years ago by 8 young men who hung together during the depression years. When the weather was good, they would spend their time hanging around Portsmouth's Square, but when it was not, they were usually at a loss. On September 9, 1935, they rented a small place on 844 Clay Street as their clubhouse and the Wah Ying Club was formally organized. They soon realized that their headquarters was becoming too small when their other friends who had similar needs wanted to join. It was at this time that they decided to move to a larger clubhouse. In 1940, a very knowledgeable member, Mr Charles Dong was elected as our 4th President and he was responsible for the negotiation and successfully acquiring the building skills and the "know-how" in obtaining a favorable mortgage from Ms. Dolly Gee, the then branch manager of the Bank of America, Chinatown Branch. 

Shortly after moving into the new headquarters in 1942, the club held a very successful house warming party, which included distinguished judges, doctors, lawyers and many community dignitaries. In the same year, with the help of Mr. Matthew Dooley, a renowned attorney, the eight "Founder Members" formally incorporated the Club under California laws as a non-profit organization. Mr.Dooley and the Honorable Judge Peter Mullen, whose support was invaluable, were promptly recognized and duly made Honorary Members of the club. The eight young men with the good foresight were; Andrew P. Sue, Lee Ming, David Kimlau, Leland Kimlau, George R. Lee, Herbert Lee and Samuel Choy. To our Founders, we acknowlege and are gratefully indebted for their long record of service to its members and the greater community. 09/2009.