Oral History with Phil Oyung (January 14, 2013)

Phil Oyung, born in 1938, recounts his family history and experiences growing up in a cabin behind the Empire Mill in Grass Valley, California. His grandparents immigrated from China around the turn of the century and worked for the mine owners. Phil's father arrived in 1916, followed by his mother in 1924. The family cabin, initially a one-room dwelling, was gradually expanded to accommodate their growing family. Phil describes the close-knit community and the challenges of life in a mining town, including the risks associated with mining work and the prevalence of high-grading. He also shares anecdotes about his family's interactions with the mine owners and the local community, highlighting the unique cultural blend of Chinese traditions and American life. Phil's stories offer a personal perspective on the history of the Empire Mine and the people who lived and worked there.