Auburn, CA - Finding Sam Lee

Sam Lee was a cherished member of the Tehama community, known for his vegetable peddling business and later, his Chinese American restaurant. He employed many people during the peak of his vegetable business. Born in Oroville in 1867, Sam moved to Tehama later in life, where he enjoyed working in agriculture and living in the small Chinatown. Sam eventually started his own delivery business, the Sam Lee Company, which delivered produce wholesale, retail, and door-to-door in a surrey top wagon pulled by a white horse. Eventually, upgrading to a truck and his delivery service covered a distance of 27 miles from Tehama to Paskenta, CA.

During his time in Tehama, Sam enjoyed a life of social prosperity and was known for his hospitality of inviting the entire town to celebrate his birthday. However, Sam's life took a turn for the worse after visiting China in 1948. Falling on hardship, Sam eventually moved to Auburn, CA to live with his sister Lena.

Sam's legacy is preserved at the Auburn Joss House Chinese History Museum, where his final living quarters and resting place can be found.