Chinese restaurants were common in Oregon towns and cities beginning in the late 19th century. Usually advertising both Chinese and American dishes, they catered to the basic needs of single working folk as well as diners who were attracted by the exotic and the foreign. Archivist, historian, academic librarian, and author Richard Engeman explores the history of Chinese restaurants in Oregon.

Richard Engeman's career with the Oregon Historical Society and the University of Washington libraries immersed him in Pacific Northwest history. He specializes in food and agricultural history and is the author of Eating It Up in Eden: the Oregon Century Farm & Ranch Program Cookbook. Richard is a frequent contributor to the online Oregon Encyclopedia, author of The Oregon Companion, founder of Oregon Rediviva, LLC., and board member of the Albany Public Library Foundation and the Albany Historic Landmarks Commission. He is a native Oregonian, and lives in Albany with his husband, Terry, and four cats.

Stay the night, mention History Pub at check-in for 15% off your room.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

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