1938 expansion 1
The New Shanghai Cafe and Terrace Bowl was a restaurant and performance space that started with the New Shanghai Cafe in 1927, owned by herbalist Fong Wan. In 1940, he added the New Shanghai Terrace Bowl with live entertainment. In 1946 it became Club Oakland. The Terrace Bowl and Club Oakland were notable venues where Asian American performers were often featured.
New Shanghai Cafe
The New Shanghai Cafe opened March 22, 1927 at 425 - 10th St. They expanded the restaurant once in 1935, and again in 1938. Beginning in 1938, they had nightly dancing, and floor shows on weekends. 1
Chinese Digest July 1938
MS126_B1_256 by E.F. Joseph 2
1935
New Shanghai Terrace Bowl
The New Shanghai Terrace Bowl opened July 3, 1940, expanding into the space next door at 415-421 - 10th St. and geared towards live entertainment, The cafe was still separate at 425 - 10th Street, and served food with no entertainment.
Noted singer and actor Sammee Tong ("Chinatown's Playboy") performed at the Terrace Bowl, and later served as emcee.
Club Oakland
In 1946, the 425 - 10th Street space was sold to John L. Rossi, who had plans to open a new club. The 415 - 10th St. space was sold a few months later to the Oakland Revival Tabernacle. Apparently Rossi's plans fell through, because by 1947, the 425 - 10th Street space had become the Club Oakland.
In January 1950, a brief mention says that Fong Wan had sold the space to the Oakland Revival Tabernacle. The 1950 Sanborn map shows both buildings labeled Oakland Revival Tabernacle.
Fong Wan still owned clubs in San Francisco, the Nanking Cafe in Oakland.
1950 Sanborn excerpt
Links and References
- Ready For Patrons Oakland Post Enquirer May 20, 1938
- MS126_B1_259 E.F. Joseph Photograph Collection, African American Library and Museum at Oakland
