Opium and Gambling in Albany

In the early 1900s, Albany's Chinese community often gathered at the Old Brewery on Cuthbert Street. This location, filled with camaraderie and the occasional game of cards, also became a focal point for law enforcement due to its association with gambling and opium smoking.

In 1907, the authorities fined sixteen Chinese men for gambling, and two were charged for possessing opium. A dramatic raid occurred in April 1911 when police arrested 32 individuals at a gambling den, despite only 40 Chinese residents living in Albany at the time. Without enough handcuffs, the arrests took place in batches, continuing late into the night. Although no opium was found, gambling equipment was seized, and those apprehended faced fines or imprisonment.

Among the artifacts displayed are an opium pipe donated by the Police Department and opium scales and sieves gifted by Mr. A.R.D. Yews. These items offer a glimpse into a complex past, illustrating both the social activities and the interactions with law enforcement during that era.