Herlinda Wong Chew - New China Grocery - 1935

Herlinda Wong Chew - New China Grocery - located on Overland Street, El Paso, Texas. In February 1922, the Chews entered the United States through Calexico, Calif., one of the few legal ports of entry. From there they took a train to El Paso and set up residence at 1912 Yandell St. They quickly opened their first store, New China Grocery, at 200 S. Stanton St. To prevent a gaming house from being established, the Chews opened a second store at the corner of Stanton Street and Overland Avenue, and a third in the Northeast. Then, in response to competition with the lower prices of national food chains, Herlinda Chew developed what became a wholesale outlet formed of local independent grocers: Western Grocery. The Chews’ business success attracted national attention in June 1930 when Time magazine ran a story featuring Antonio Chew. In the El Paso Herald-Post, Chew attributed his achievements to long days and working hard, side by side, with his wife. John wrote that Chew made her mark in business throughout the area. She represented minorities for the National Recovery Administration and helped establish the Oriental Importing Company. Chew was also the only female member of the El Paso Merchants’ Association, but it was her involvement in immigration for which she is probably best known. http://epcc.libguides.com/content.php?pid=309255&sid=2891614

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: UTEP Library Sp. Collections, Eva Ross

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History