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habit and idiom to “sweep the snow from your own door
step, don’t worry about the frost on your neighbor’s roof”.
The other is deeply attached to patriotism, to the brewing
perseverance, will and spirit of the individual and group,
especially in the era of Chinese exclusionism. Even though
most American Chinese were isolationists, when a strong,
evil neighbor invaded a weak home country, there was an
insurmountable togetherness that surpassed thousands of
miles of sea and sky, overcoming differences and grudges
to compel the Chinese people a world away to fully invest
themselves in supporting the motherland. These two char-
acteristics: one is the national sentiment, and the other is
the spirit of Guangdong.

The CCBA has over a hundred years of history, and is an
example for future generations as an association of people
who, despite difficulties and obstacles, were fearless and
generous, willing to give even when they had desperately
little. Supporting Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s revolutions and rais-
ing funds for China in the Second Sino-Japanese War an
ocean away are examples of this selfless giving during try-
ing times. The CCBA is a large group consisting of little peo-
ple; it is the light and values they exhibit that shines on and
inspires those who have come after them. The fruits of these
qualities can be seen in the success of its individual mem-
bers and in the Association’s long-lasting stability, readily
apparent in building and land ownership that have lasted
generations.

Unfortunately, the CCBA had to relocate during the demo-
lition of Old Chinatown, and virtually all records dating
prior to 1950 were lost or scattered during the relocation.
Only fragments of them can still be found in libraries, but
they can no longer be pieced back together into a complete
picture. Gratitude goes to many of our CCBA forefathers in
helping us fill in many of the gaps so that this book can be
as complete and fulfilling as possible. Gratitude also goes
to everyone involved in the creation of this book; without
them you would not be reading it as it is today.

羅省中華會館125週年 125 Anniversary CCBA LA | 211