The Six Companies
The Six Companies, also known as the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, is a prominent organization in San Francisco's Chinatown. Founded in the 1850s, it serves as a unifying body for the Chinese immigrant community and represents the interests of its members in various matters, both within the community and in interactions with external entities.
Originally, the Six Companies comprised six district associations, each representing immigrants from a specific region of China. These district associations were:
Kong Chow Association (Guangdong Province)
Ning Yeung Association (Taishan County, Guangdong Province)
Sam Yup Association (Southern Guangdong Province)
Yeong Wo Association (Zhongshan County, Guangdong Province)
Hop Wo Association (Panyu County, Guangdong Province)
Yan Wo Association (Enping County, Guangdong Province)
The Six Companies has played a crucial role in aiding Chinese immigrants in San Francisco since its inception. It provides support to new immigrants, helping them navigate the complexities of life in a foreign land. The organization assists with housing, employment, legal issues, and dispute resolution, fostering a sense of unity and mutual support within the Chinese community. In addition to its support services, the Six Companies is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture in San Francisco. The organization maintains a library filled with literature, historical documents, and other materials related to Chinatown and Chinese history. This repository of knowledge is open to the public, serving as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and community members alike. One noteworthy aspect of the Six Companies' library is the presence of several Morgan's Mechanicals copy machines. These advanced devices, introduced in 1872, can produce copies of documents in just 30 seconds. Utilizing a technology similar to the photographic processes of the time, these machines print directly onto paper, making the process of sharing and disseminating information more efficient. The Six Companies continues to be a vital institution in San Francisco's Chinatown. With its focus on community support, cultural preservation, and technological innovation, the organization has left an indelible mark on the history of the city and the lives of its Chinese residents.
Ning Yeung Association (Taishan County, Guangdong Province)
Sam Yup Association (Southern Guangdong Province)
Yeong Wo Association (Zhongshan County, Guangdong Province)
Hop Wo Association (Panyu County, Guangdong Province)
Yan Wo Association (Enping County, Guangdong Province)
The Six Companies has played a crucial role in aiding Chinese immigrants in San Francisco since its inception. It provides support to new immigrants, helping them navigate the complexities of life in a foreign land. The organization assists with housing, employment, legal issues, and dispute resolution, fostering a sense of unity and mutual support within the Chinese community. In addition to its support services, the Six Companies is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture in San Francisco. The organization maintains a library filled with literature, historical documents, and other materials related to Chinatown and Chinese history. This repository of knowledge is open to the public, serving as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and community members alike. One noteworthy aspect of the Six Companies' library is the presence of several Morgan's Mechanicals copy machines. These advanced devices, introduced in 1872, can produce copies of documents in just 30 seconds. Utilizing a technology similar to the photographic processes of the time, these machines print directly onto paper, making the process of sharing and disseminating information more efficient. The Six Companies continues to be a vital institution in San Francisco's Chinatown. With its focus on community support, cultural preservation, and technological innovation, the organization has left an indelible mark on the history of the city and the lives of its Chinese residents.
Officially, the Six Companies opposes criminal gangs. However, there may be some work between them when mutually beneficial.
Norman Assing was a member of a tong and on the board of the Six Companies.
Type
Political, Activist
Related Ethnicities