Museum of Chinese in America

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Oral History Archive
1994.007.005 Oral History Interview with Guo Wa Chan 1993/06/29

 

In this interview, Guo Wa "Grace" Chan discusses her immigration and life in New York City. She focuses on her experiences as a businesswoman, detailing the launch of her video rental store. She mentions her husband ventures in the restaurant industry. Chan describes the entrepreneurial competition in Brooklyn Chinatown and real estate prices, commercial as well as residential. An educationally-focused mother, Chan evaluates the educational decisions she has made and the quality of local public and private schools. Interview in Cantonese conducted by Mary Lui.

0:16 - 开场白：介绍受访者、地址、日期、及采访人 Introduction of narrator and interviewer’s names, interview location, and date

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0:39 - 介绍受访者姓名及八年录影带生意经 Narrator's name, eight year video business' background, running experience, and goals

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16:56 - 地区环境，发展和竞争 The environment, and business competition within the fast development of 8th Ave.

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21:19 - 开店成本、家庭移民过程和生意、最初开餐馆 Business cost, investing savings without loans, restaurant as first family business

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25:40 - 孩子们的名字、年龄、教育 Brought children to work, their names and ages, as well as their schools and education

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42:28 - 语言 Language learning for kids/parents, communication at home/work, English/Chinese dialogues

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53:05 - 美国印象，住房、住地、和唐人街 Impression of America, why she immigrated, one room as 1st home in Chinatown and impression

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58:59 - 定居、入籍、和选举 Becoming an American citizen, voting, caring about politics related to personal life

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62:18 - 在布鲁克林的住房，从租到买，新移民生活便利，地区变化及房价增长 Brooklyn: Rent and home buying, its convenience and changes, housing cost increase

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76:17 - 店铺经营时间、休假、地区发展希望和建议 Store hours, planning very first vacation, suggestions on improving the community

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