California Story Fund
Chinatown is Burning!:
Hugh Liang, Eyewitness to the
1906 Earthquake and Fire
Chinese Historical Society of AmericaSan Francisco
Project Director: Leonard Shek
A Chinese American’s eyewitness account of the San Francisco earthquake
The project was a Chautauqua presentation by renowned writer and historian William “Charlie” Chin about the Chinese community of San Francisco at the time of the great San Francisco earthquake and fire, as seen by Hugh Liang, a 15 year old living in Chinatown at the time. Liang later went on to have a successful career as an entertainer and wrote a memoir about his life.
Chin’s presentation, in which he acts the part of Liang and later steps out of the role to talk to the audience, is based on Liang’s account of Chinatown before, during and immediately after the earthquake.
“Liang’s story highlights the difficulties Chinese Americans faced at the turn of the century and reveals how Liang succeeded in creating a life for himself though show business,” Project Director Leonard Shek said.
The performances took placeat various venues in San Francisco, including the public schools, as part of the events marking the 100th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake and fire.