To: NYC Department of Buildings / NYC Department of Transportation
Subject: Protect the Historic News Stand at 21 Mott St., Chinatown, NYC
We, the undersigned, are writing to express our strong support for the historic newsstand located at 21 Mott St. in Chinatown, New York City. This newsstand holds significant historical and cultural value to our community and beyond.
The news stand was commissioned by Lee Sing Foon, who immigrated to New York City in 1890. Over the decades, it has been a means for our family and many other immigrant families to earn a small living by selling a variety of goods. These include pickled vegetable snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables, Gino's Italian Ices, and most famously, the "Hong Kong Egg Cake" lady who sold her delightful oval-shaped egg cakes for many years. Italian and Chinese immigrants have made their start from this humble stand.
Notably, this is the very newsstand that exhibited the work of famed photojournalist Corky Lee before his untimely passing during COVID19.
Due to an erroneous report claiming that the news stand is a “new construction”, our family is now forced to defend its existence which began in the late 1920’s. This newsstand is not just a structure; it is a symbol of our heritage, our struggles, and our contributions to the vibrant tapestry of New York City.
We need your help to support our efforts in ensuring the future of this beloved news stand. By signing this petition, you are standing with us to preserve a piece of our community's history and to support the livelihoods of immigrant families.
Thank you for your support in preserving this important piece of our community's heritage.
Sincerely,
Jan Lee, Manager of 21 Mott St.
Updates
June 4, 2024
I really never expected this to take off like it has when I started typing this up at my kitchen table while worrying about my family. It is honestly overwhelming to see so many people actually care about the history etched into the sidewalk at Mott Street and that little stand that has seen so much life over the years. We have to keep this pressure up because the city needs to understand that you do not just erase a century of memories because of some paperwork error.
16 Comments
The Historic News Stand at 21 Mott should be protect as a City Landmark because it, along with the Transfiguration Church, acts as an entrance frame to the Lenape Fresh Water Pond, the Old Five Point (Park Street), Italian American (Frank Mosco), Chinese American (Corky Lee Way), and a current Chinese American Community Organizing Effort (Think!Chinatown).
I remember that newsstand since I was a kid and lived in Chinatown over 65 years ago.
It’s an important part of our Chinatown history and legacy . Please respect the community and do not destroy it .
This newstand/kiosk is definitely not newly constructed. It has been there for a long time and I remember seeing it when I moved into Chinatown in Jan. 2019. Please, out of respect, and in honor of Corky Lee do not demolish it!
This is a necessary landmark for Chinatown that has been a meeting place of community and connection for years. Save the newsstand!
Please don't tear down this important part of Chinatown's history and heritage.
This place is a legacy and should be given historic site status!
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To: NYC Department of Buildings / NYC Department of Transportation
Subject: Protect the Historic News Stand at 21 Mott St., Chinatown, NYC
We, the undersigned, are writing to express our strong support for the historic newsstand located at 21 Mott St. in Chinatown, New York City. This newsstand holds significant historical and cultural value to our community and beyond.
The news stand was commissioned by Lee Sing Foon, who immigrated to New York City in 1890. Over the decades, it has been a means for our family and many other immigrant families to earn a small living by selling a variety of goods. These include pickled vegetable snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables, Gino's Italian Ices, and most famously, the "Hong Kong Egg Cake" lady who sold her delightful oval-shaped egg cakes for many years. Italian and Chinese immigrants have made their start from this humble stand.
Notably, this is the very newsstand that exhibited the work of famed photojournalist Corky Lee before his untimely passing during COVID19.
Due to an erroneous report claiming that the news stand is a “new construction”, our family is now forced to defend its existence which began in the late 1920’s. This newsstand is not just a structure; it is a symbol of our heritage, our struggles, and our contributions to the vibrant tapestry of New York City.
We need your help to support our efforts in ensuring the future of this beloved news stand. By signing this petition, you are standing with us to preserve a piece of our community's history and to support the livelihoods of immigrant families.
Thank you for your support in preserving this important piece of our community's heritage.
Sincerely,
Jan Lee, Manager of 21 Mott St.
Updates
June 4, 2024
I really never expected this to take off like it has when I started typing this up at my kitchen table while worrying about my family. It is honestly overwhelming to see so many people actually care about the history etched into the sidewalk at Mott Street and that little stand that has seen so much life over the years. We have to keep this pressure up because the city needs to understand that you do not just erase a century of memories because of some paperwork error.
16 Comments
I went to Chinese school at transfiguration church every Sunday as a kid, Bd remember this stand fondly. And the long lines for tasty egg custard treats! It's an institution! Please preserve it as a historic to landmark to educate future generations of the immigrant experiences of that block.
The Historic News Stand at 21 Mott should be protect as a City Landmark because it, along with the Transfiguration Church, acts as an entrance frame to the Lenape Fresh Water Pond, the Old Five Point (Park Street), Italian American (Frank Mosco), Chinese American (Corky Lee Way), and a current Chinese American Community Organizing Effort (Think!Chinatown).
I remember that newsstand since I was a kid and lived in Chinatown over 65 years ago.
It’s an important part of our Chinatown history and legacy . Please respect the community and do not destroy it .
This newstand/kiosk is definitely not newly constructed. It has been there for a long time and I remember seeing it when I moved into Chinatown in Jan. 2019. Please, out of respect, and in honor of Corky Lee do not demolish it!
This is a necessary landmark for Chinatown that has been a meeting place of community and connection for years. Save the newsstand!
Please don't tear down this important part of Chinatown's history and heritage.
This place is a legacy and should be given historic site status!
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I went to Chinese school at transfiguration church every Sunday as a kid, Bd remember this stand fondly. And the long lines for tasty egg custard treats! It's an institution! Please preserve it as a historic to landmark to educate future generations of the immigrant experiences of that block.