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The Fong Wan Herbalist: Herb

Again on May 8, 1919, when Fong Wan was on trial in Police Court No. 2, his patrons rallied to his aid. It was publicly declared that the Fong Wan Herb Tea had relieved stomach trouble, kidney and bladder complaints, and dropsy. Never before had there been such an array of witnesses in a local court for any treatment. The jurors were greatly interested and the herbalist was again acquitted. During the eight years that have elapsed since that trial, stool pigeons have been repeatedly parked in the office of the Fong Wan Herb Company, and Fong Wan has been haled into court many, many times by the agents of both the Medical and the Pharmacy Boards. In no case has any charge been sustained against him. Despite these hindrances and interruptions, Fong Wan has at- -(133)tained unprecedented success as an herbalist. His remarkable judgment and business ability have received recognition on both sides of the Pacific, and some years ago he was made a member of one of the oldest and largest companies in Hongkong, China, that exports to foreign lands. He is also a share-holder in and the treasurer of the Man Fook Hung Co., which conducts an importing and wholesale herb business at 630 Webster street, Oakland, California. He has, moreover, purchased interests in many other business concerns about the Bay, and has five times been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors, and President of the large dry goods house at 11th and Washington streets, known as the "Oakland Emporium." In order to properly house his ever-increasing business, Fong Wan planned and designed a building that should be both adequate and eminently suited to his needs. About eight months were required for the erection of the structure, and on June 27, 1924, Fong Wan took possession of the handsome, reinforced concrete building at 576- 578 Tenth street, Oakland, California, in which Oriental and Occidental design are so artistically combined as to constitute a monument to his genius. The building and furnishings cost approximately $70,000. The roof is designed as a playground for his children, the entire upper floor with its spacious Oriental veranda, is the family residence, the first floor is devoted exclusively to the herb business, while the large, airy basement provides ample room for the receipt of herb shipments. On the first floor there is a cheerful reception room with a soft Oriental rug, heavy teakwood furniture, works of art, and an attractive showcase in which various kinds of herbs are exhibited. Among the other rooms on this floor are the quiet office where any person may consult the herbalist regarding his or her health without charge or obligation; the well-ordered herb room, with its thousands of varieties of herbs each in its special compartment; the sanitary kitchen with its dozen gas plates and its shining aluminum pots in which nothing but herbs are ever cooked; and the alluring tea room in which the herb tea is served on unique little Chinese tables.