The City of San Jose has officially proclaimed February 24th as Thomas Foon Chew Day. The Proclamation pays tribute to the groundbreaking achievements and lasting legacy of Thomas Foon Chew, a pioneering Chinese American entrepreneur whose contributions to the agricultural industry left an indelible mark on the Bay Area and beyond.

Thomas Foon Chew, often referred to as the "Asparagus King," revolutionized the canning industry in the early 20th Century. Despite immense challenges faced by Chinese Americans at the time, including systemic exclusion, Chew expanded his family's modest cannery into one of the largest and most innovative operations in California. His business not only provided employment opportunities for thousands but also bridged cultural gaps, employing a diverse workforce and setting a remarkable example of leadership and inclusivity.

The City of San Jose has recognized Chew’s extraordinary story as a vital part of local history. "Thomas Foon Chew was as much a local pioneer as he was a business visionary. His success paved the way for many to follow in his footsteps," said Councilmember David Cohen of District 4 who authored the Proclamation.

Cohen credited a 16-year-old high schooler from CompassPoint Mentorship with proposing the holiday. “All of this started because of one student, Grant Han,...who contacted my office and decided he wanted to preserve this piece of history”. Han stated that he saw Chew’s story as “an inspiration for future generations.” He hoped this holiday could “inspire future generations to follow in Thomas Foon Chew’s footsteps.”

The Proclamation was presented by Mayor Matt Mahan to Gloria Hom, Chew’s granddaughter, at San Jose’s City Hall. It was preceded by a celebration of life event in Alviso, where Chew established the Bayside Canning Company. Over 140 residents, historians, students, public officials, family, and friends attended the celebration hosted by the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project and CompassPoint Mentorship. Tours of the portion of the Bayside Cannery still standing and the surrounding levee were followed by a presentation at the South Bay Yacht Club, where Gloria Hom spoke about her grandfather’s legacy. During its heyday, the Bayside Canning Company was the third-largest cannery in the United States. The local economy was dependent on Chew, said Dick Santos, Director of Valley Water District 3, and “according to my Father who worked for him, was an honorable man and was the major provider of the then City of Alviso residents’ employer.”

Born in 1882, Thomas Foon Chew inherited his father’s small cannery in the early 1900s and transformed it into a major enterprise known as the Bayside Canning Company with locations in Alviso, Isleton, and Mayfield Palo Alto. His ability to innovate, coupled with his commitment to fair labor practices and community engagement, solidified his place in history as a trailblazer for Chinese Americans.

CompassPoint Mentorship’s mission is to help children around the world convert ideas into world-changing actions through education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.

The Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP)’s mission is to promote, preserve, and educate about Chinese and Chinese American history and culture. CHCP operates the Chinese American Historical Museum, offers cultural and educational events and activities, student docent and intern programs, and resources to advance AAPI interests throughout the Silicon Valley region.