Chinese American Women's Club of Santa Clara County.

The Chinese American Women's Club of Santa Clara County (CAWC) was founded in 1962 by a group of Chinese women who were brought together to preserve Chinese culture and education.

While their children attended a weekly Chinese school and learned Chinese languages, the mothers formed a discussion group. These weekly meetings led to the formation of a cultural club, committed to support, educate and befriend the entire Chinese community in Santa Clara County, California.

From the description of Chinese American Women's Club of Santa Clara County records, 1962-1999. (San Jose Public Library). WorldCat record id: 62241100

Organizational History

The Chinese American Women's Club of Santa Clara County (CAWC) was founded in 1962 by a group of women who were brought together by the common thread of preserving Chinese culture through educating their children. While their children attended a weekly Chinese school and learned Chinese languages, the mothers would meet and discuss different topics. The weekly meetings soon became a discussion about starting a cultural club; a club that would support, educate and befriend the entire community.

CAWC's mission is to "preserve Chinese culture and traditions and serve [the] community where needed." The founders combined cultural activities with fundraising to create opportunities to educate the community and generate revenue for future organizing efforts. They formed and strengthened existing alliances by combining efforts with other Bay Area Chinese organizations.

In March 1978, CAWC learned of a new project to rebuild the Ng Shing Gung Temple, but the project was in need of financial support. The Ng Shing Gung Temple, also known as the Joss House and the Temple of the Five Gods, was built in 1888. In 1941, it was under threat of demolition by the city of San Jose and in 1949 the city finally demolished the dilapidated building. Community organizations planned to raise enough money to build a replica in History Park at Kelley Park in San Jose. CAWC, and other local organizations, raised the money to fund the project, and the temple is now open to the public.

The CAWC sponsored a number of cultural events, including the Autumn Moon Festival at the San Jose Historical Museum Site. The first festival was held on Sunday, September 24, 1978. The event included arts, crafts, a food fair, a temple run (marathon), an artifact exhibit and a performance by the Chung Ngai Dance Troupe. In 1979, the Autumn Moon Festival was held on Sunday, October 7th and included a martial arts demonstration, a fine arts exhibit, fashion show, musical performance and dance recital.

In 1987, celebrating its 25th anniversary, the organization planned and hosted a large-scale fashion show luncheon called "Lasting Legacy." This well-planned and executed event combined the efforts of many local organizations. The San Jose Historical Museum prepared a slide show and contributed a historical exhibit of artifacts. The event was attended by Chief Assistant Secretary of State, Jenece Long, Santa Clara County Supervisor, Tom Legan, San José Vice Mayor, Iola Williams, Councilwoman, Blanca Alvarado, Los Altos Mayor, Roger Eng and various presidents and diplomats from leading Bay Area Asian organizations. The organization continues to promote Chinese cultural heritage, and many of the members are now third and fourth generation Chinese-Americans.

From the guide to the Chinese American Women's Club of Santa Clara County Records, 1962-1999, (San Jose State University. Library.)