The 1909 Fairhaven Empress Tree
Port of Bellingham
With a normal lifespan of 70 years, this,
is one of the oldest Empress trees
(Paulownia tomentosa) in the United States.The tree was presented to E.B. Deming, President of Pacific American Fisheries, on August 24, 1909; a gift from Goon Dip, the labor contractor and new Chinese Consul.
Once the largest salmon canning company
in the world, Pacific American Fisheries
provided thousands of jobs for local residents
and hundreds of seasonal Chinese laborers.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 24, 1909.
Location. 48° 43.209′ N, 122° 30.703′ W. Marker is in Bellingham, Washington, in Whatcom County. Marker is at the intersection of Harris Street and 4th Street, on the right when traveling west on Harris Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Harris Avenue, Bellingham WA 98225, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Commercial Point Shipyard (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Schooner Zodiac (about
this page online
Also see . . .
1. The 1909 Fairhaven Empress Tree (Fairhaven History). A more detailed history of the tree, including a number of photos.
"The gnarled remnant of a once-elegant flowering tree that stands before you is on the grounds of the Amtrak station. Its presence memorializes the former site of Pacific American Fisheries, a once thriving anchor to the economy of the Fairhaven district of Bellingham."(Submitted on July 23, 2021.)
2. Goon Dip (ca. 1862-1933) (HistoryLink.org).
"Goon Dip was a phenomenon -- a visionary and wealthy entrepreneur, public servant, philanthropist, and the most influential Chinese in the Pacific Coast during the early years of the twentieth(Submitted on July 23, 2021.)century. He had some luck, which he acknowledged and honored, but he also had to breach the virulent anti-Chinese wall of the times to attain success. And he did it with a high level of civility and compassion. One obituary eulogized: “He brought the innate courtesy, the kindly philosophy, the ‘do unto others’ doctrine common to all faiths into his daily life ... "(Seattle Daily Times)."Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 21, 20212. The 1909 Fairhaven Empress Tree and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 141 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 23, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
