Wu Chu-Fang

Wu Chu-Fang (吴菊芳) was known for educating children during the Sino-Japanese war, and running a restaurant in Tarrytown, New York. Her husband, Li Hanhun, was a general in China.

Early life

Chu-Fang was born on September 10, 1911 in China where her father was mayor of Beijing.[1][2] She graduated from Sun Yat-sen University[1] in 1941; she was the first woman to be a student in the agricultural college.[3]

Sino-Japanese War

During the Sino-Japanese War, she organized literacy and home economics classes for other officers' wives.[3] When her husband, General Li, was recalled to active duty, she worked to raise funds for medical supplies and winter wear for frontline soldiers, Her efforts were recognized in Freda Utley's book China at War, where she was cited for organizing aid for frontline soldiers.[4]

From 1939 until 1945, Chu-Fang directed the rescue of thousands of children from occupied territories and war zones.[5][1] She established schools[6][7] and served as the head of Ly Hun Middle School.[8] She also helped women whose husbands had died in the war by providing resources and training.[1][6]

Chu-Fang was an elected member of the first National Assembly of the Republic of China.[6]

United States

After the Communist takeover of China in 1949, she moved to New York City with her family. She acquired the skills to operate a restaurant,[9] and in 1955 opened her own restaurant in White Plains NY, the China Garden,[10][11] It was described in a New York newspaper as "a temple of excellent dining".[12]

In 2012, the couple's joint autobiography, titled Dreams on a Pillow, was published by Guangdong People's Publishing House.[13]

Chu-Fang Wu died on December 10, 1999, in New York City.[6]

Personal life

In 1929 she met Republic of China General Li Hanhun (李汉魂), a commander of the famed Fourth Army, while he was stationed in Ichang, Hubei.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Jones, J. Franklin (1973-11-19). "China doll dishes out a success". The Reporter Dispatch. pp. 1, [1]. Retrieved 2025-05-15.
  2. ^ "吴菊芳：广东抗战妇运领袖广东女性E家园-广东省妇联网站". web.archive.org. 2020-08-12. Archived from the original on 2020-08-12. Retrieved 2025-05-15.
  3. ^ a b Deng 邓, Qiyao 启耀 (September 28, 2015). "国立中山大学校友吴菊芳战时收养难童记 Sun Yat Sen National University alumna Wu Chu-Fang, wartime rescuer of refugee children". xiaobao.sysu.edu.cn/.
  4. ^ Utley, Freda. "China At War" (PDF).
  5. ^ 张, 慧真 (2012). 弦歌不輟：烽火中的廣東兒童教養院. Hong Kong: 广东人民出版社.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Hanhun Li and Chu Fang Wu papers, 1926-1998". Columbia University Libraries Archival Collections. November 2, 2016.
  7. ^ "抗日爱国将领李汉魂长女捐赠一批珍贵文物史料(图)_新闻中心_新浪网". news.sina.com.cn (in Chinese). Retrieved 2025-05-15.
  8. ^ Aaron, Louise (1948-09-29). "City's Chinese Colony Fetes General, Wife". The Oregon Daily Journal. p. 19. Retrieved 2025-02-05.
  9. ^ Li, Virginia C. (2003). From one root many flowers: a century of family life in China and America. Amherst, N.Y: Prometheus Books. ISBN 978-1-59102-081-3.
  10. ^ Knox, Sanka (1968-07-18). "CHINESE LIBRARY GIVEN COLUMBIA; General Li. Aide of Chiang, Brings Treasures Here". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-05-15.
  11. ^ Small, Susan (August 9, 1973). "The Observer". The Observer: a weekly newspaper serving Eastchester, Bronxville and Tuckahoe. p. 1. In a short time China Garden became well known among gourmets, not only in Westchester, but in the whole metropolitan area": quote from "Madame Chu Fang Li: noted gourmet, proud mother and successful businesswoman
  12. ^ Keller, Allen (August 15, 1963). "White Plains China Garden Mixes Art and Fine Cuisine". New York World-Telegram and The Sun.
  13. ^ 王杰, 梁川, 政協廣東省委員會辦公廳; 廣東省政協文化和文史資料委員會 (2012). 枕上梦回: 李汉魂吴菊芳伉俪自传, 广东人民出版社 (Dreams on a Pillow) (in Chinese). 广东人民出版社, 广州. OCLC 1461264338.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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