Weaverville, CA - Joss Temple, Gallery, & Cemetery
The 雲林廟 “Temple of Forest Beneath the Clouds” Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park is one of the best well preserved sites in the North State all thanks to Moon Lim Lee.
Moon Lim Lee was a very special friend to the Red Bluff Chew family. He was kind, smart and passionate about the legacy of our ancestors. In 1974, a Pioneer Chinese Revue event took place in Red Bluff’s Art Association with tickets sold at the Kelly-Griggs House Museum. Mr. and Mrs. Moon Lim Lee intersperse the various and sundry stage acts which told the story of Chinese history in Tehama County. Like anything involving the Moon Lim Lee family, it was a success!
Community Hall
The best part about the temple, is the hidden community hall. In Red Bluff one very similar existed by the Chew family’s first herbal business called the “Bo Do Hong Herbal Company”. This room is remarkable. It is designed elongated with a open room in the front, kitchen in the middle and sleeping quarters in the rear. The wall contains a list of Chinese participants over the years. This is a great way to experience how in the 19th Century community matters were addressed and also to understand what the living conditions were like.
One of my favorite docents, Mr. Frost can tell you all about the auspicious meanings for how the Temple was designed and preserved. There’s a small gallery of artifacts on your way out.
Across the parking lot, there’s the Jake Jackson Memorial. Take a stroll inside and you will discover a well kept display cabinet of various artifacts from the Weaverville Chinese community.
Chinese Cemetery
Not much to find in the cemetery and quite challenging to find since it is off road, however the community has honored those who have passed with a Chinese Gate which is important to Cantonese funeral rites.
