The Little Red Brick Bulding at Lincoln Square
By Howard Ah-Tye (1992)
Often people notice the little red brick building at Lincoln Square because it appears so unique. Located at 261 - 11th Street, the building was constructed in 1935 by the Chinese Center. Members who supported the construction were: Dr. Jacob Yee, Dr. Lee Fook, Dr. Lester Lee, Albert Jow, San Chew, Henry Wu, Joseph Chew, Harry Jue and other Chinese activists who together contributed $2,000. The City provided the balance and the building was completed as a WPA project.
For a brief period the Chinese Center as it was then called was used for meetings. Aside from being a meeting hall, the playground directory retained a small office and some space for playground equipment. For a good number of years Wa Sung used the facility for their Pancake Breakfast-always on Easter Sunday. On one occasion, the playground director stayed in the building and slept on a cot through the night to assure his presence and punctuality for the next early morning.
The little red brick building is no longer affiliated with the Park and Recreation Department. As a social day care center, its activities are of community significance. The center concentrates on service to the elderly as well as disabled adults. Activities include arts and craft, music classes, physical fitness, story telling, Tai Chi, field trips, Chinese Checkers and current events. Additional services include health education, workshops, crime an abuse workshops, fire and earthquake confrontation. Much of the success of the overall program is due to the Oakland Chinese Community Council (Family Bridges) which recognizes and serves the needs of the elderly and many immigrants from China and the Asian-Pacific sector.