As you approach stop number 3, the Cairns Chinatown Building, look to your right. You’ll spot a colorful, lively scene. The building stands out with its vibrant paint job: one shop is painted a cheerful yellow with a green trim, and another boasts a deep purple and blue façade with a sign reading "FISH TALES SILKS". The architectural design with the multiple gabled roof of differing heights reflects its heritage.
Now, let’s dive into a little history! The Cairns Chinatown Building, a heritage-listed gem, resides at 99 Grafton Street. Built sometime between approximately 1892 and 1902, it’s one of the last remnants of the historic Cairns Chinatown. The building was constructed from handmade bricks and originally accommodated two shops. Back then, this area was bustling with Chinese activity.
Fun fact: one of the pioneers of Chinese business in Cairns was Andrew Leon, who, along with 100 other Chinese businessmen, started a large-scale sugar cultivation operation. This enterprise, known as "Pioneer", opened with much fanfare in 1881. But Andrew’s story doesn’t stop there. He was a notable figure in the Cairns Chinese community, acting as an interpreter in court and helping preserve cultural connections.
From housing merchants like Lee Yan Kee, who were among the first Chinese women to arrive directly from China, to the somewhat notorious use of the property for housing women working as prostitutes up until the 1960s, this place has a colorful and multifaceted history.
So, take a moment to soak in the vibrant history and appreciate the stories hidden within these handcrafted brick walls!
