61 Bayard
Architect: Charles Rentz / Developed by Sevestre & Cusack
Built in 1891
2024
61 Bayard
Architect: Charles Rentz / Developed by Sevestre & Cusack
Built in 1891
1940s
Interview
WITH MRS. CHIN (OWNER OF FUNERAL SUPPLIES STORE, MEE LUN CO.)
Interview conducted in April 2022.
With Cantonese interpretation by Roxy Chang
+ When did you come to the U.S.? What is your story?
My name is Mrs. Chin. I came in 1962 from Hong Kong. I was first in Ohio, and then I moved to New York City.
+ What is the history behind this shop?
In 1971, we opened the family business and this store has been running for 51 years. We sell products mainly relating to worshiping (拜神) and medicinal products as well. My sons import many of these products from Hong Kong. At the time, Chinatown was very crowded.
Before coming to the U.S., my husband worked at a Bing Sutt (冰室) shop (slushy shop) in Hong Kong. When he first came to New York City, he opened the Yuen Yuen (人人) restaurant which was also a Bing Sutt, next to our current storefront in 1968 and owned the business until 1976. My husband mostly ran the restaurant next door until it became too hectic. When we had access to the space next door at 61B, we opened this [worshiping / funeral supplies] shop.
At Yuen Yuen, we used to stay open until 2AM. There were lots of factories close by and we fed many of the workers.
Things got so busy, and we ended up giving the restaurant business to one of the servers who worked there; we could then focus on the shop. We are still good friends with them. They ran the place from the 1970s/1980s until 2013 until they retired.
+ What were your impressions of Chinatown when you first arrived?
I love Chinatown. It’s convenient for both food and simple errands.
Mrs. Chin at our interview session, April 2022.
+ Has this building changed much since you opened your store?
The space has remained unchanged in the 50+ years we’ve been here.
+ Who comes to the store?
We have mostly Chinese customers. We also had many visitors from other states, and still do today.
The interior of Mrs. Chin’s shop, April 2022.
+ How has Chinatown changed in the decades you’ve been here?
There is more business now than when we first started.
The entire street here has changed except for Mei Lai Wah Cafe across the street, which has been there since 1968. The owner has changed, but the exterior of the building hasn’t changed much.
+ What is one of your fondest memories of Chinatown?
I remember customers who were very nice to me; the feeling of warmth when greeting each other, that it was so nice to see each other.
+ What was one of your favorite dishes to eat at your Yuen Yuen (人人) restaurant?
Sam Bo Fan 三寶飯 (Rice with pork and duck or chicken) was one of my favorites — it’s cheap and tastes good.
NEW MEE LUN CO. AT 61B BAYARD - PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographs taken in 2022.
61 BAYARD - BUILDING PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographs taken between 2022-2024.