Ginger Jar, Late 1800s

This glazed ceramic jar was found in the Chinese market garden area of Mahomet Flats. It’s just the kind of jar you might have received from Wing On Woo & Co, the Geraldton store opened in 1895 by Chinese migrant Fong Lang. He was known for delighting customers with biscuits, lollies, lychee nuts and at Christmas, generous jars of preserved ginger.

Fong Lang’s nephew Sydney Fong took over in 1901, rebranding the store as Sydney Fong & Co. The family’s contributions to the Mid West economy continued for generations, running grocery stores, farms, and orchards, all while forging community and connection far from home.