Loading...
Identifier
BenDennis_2012_CRP
Description
Mr. Dennis Ben describes his personal experiences as a Filipino American growing up in Salinas California in the 1950's. He is the son of his Father who was born and raised in the Philippines who became a chef in the California. His mother was really involved in the Filipino community and represented the Filipino community with her assertive action. Dennis was born In the United States and grew up most of his life in Salinas. Mr. Ben begins by discussing his parent’s history and how they came to Salinas. Dennis Discusses the Filipino events took place around the China Town area. Dennis discusses the Filipino Hall, which was located on Cebu Street close to China Town, and he discusses importance of the venue for the Filipino community and how it kept the community close. He recalls some of the events that were taken place in the Filipino Hall such as banquets, dances, picnics, and birthday parties. Dennis focuses on his parent’s importance to the Filipino Hall; his father was the president of the Filipino Hall and an important figure for the Filipino community in the 1940’s. In the 1940’s his father was part of the group who purchased the property where the Filipino Hall stands today. He also talks about his mother and her involvement with the Filipino community. He talks about the relation the Filipino community had with the Rodeo Grounds and what that meant to his family. Dennis discusses some of the memories he has of Chinatown; he talks about his dad’s store called Lake Street Market that was located in China Town.
Interview Date
10-22-2012
Interviewer
Corey Fernandez
Geographic Coverage
Salinas (Calif.)
Subjects
Chinatown (Salinas, Calif.); Filipino American families; Labor camps; Filipino Americans--Employment
Type
Moving Image
Genre
Oral histories
Digital Format
video/mp4
Language
eng
Digital Collection
Chinatown Renewal Project
Repository
Archives & Special Collections of California State University, Monterey Bay
Disclaimer
These oral histories express the personal views, memories, and opinions of the interviewee. They do not represent the policy or views of California State University, Monterey Bay.
Recommended Citation
Ben, Dennis and California State University, Monterey Bay, "Interview with Dennis Ben" (2012). Chinatown Renewal Project. 44.
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/ohcma_chinatown/44
Rights Statement
