Perth Voice Interactive

STORIES are sought to flesh out the history of a little-known figure who helped feed Bayswater for decades – market gardener Hu Che-Em.

Hu Che-Em arrived in Australia from China in the 1890s, and was also known as “Hoppy” after the “Hop Chong market garden he ran in Bayswater until the late 1940s or early 1950s. 

Locals from the Bayswater Historical Society want to name a street “Hoppy” in honour of Hu Che-em, part of an ongoing push to get some recognition for unsung figures of Bayswater’s past including women, migrant, and Aboriginal names.

But the naming authority Landgate wants more information about Hu Che-Em before agreeing to calling a street “Hoppy”. Part of the reason is that most of the records are about Hu Che-Em’s business links to the locality, rather than social ties.

Bayswater Historical Society member Al Ellis tells us via email: “It’s sad, but due to the very nature of them not having a voice back then, it seems they are at risk of never being included or recognised if we can’t find a ‘non-financial’ aspect of their life.”

Landgate’s request for more information read: “The information provided for Mr He Che-Em [sic] is mostly about contributions that are financially driven. We would also request some information on where he has given back to and contributed to the community outside of the financial ties.”

BHS members are now planning to delve into the State Records Office for more stories, and they’re also holding out hope that a document held at the National Archives of Australia might shed light on Hu Che-Em’s history.

They’re also calling on anyone who’s had stories of Hu Che-Em passed down to get in touch with them. They’re on facebook.com/bayswaterhistoricalsociety or admin@bayswaterhistoricalsociety.org

If they’re successful in convincing Landgate of Hu Che-Em’s social contributions to the suburb, “Hoppy” will be added to a register of ready-to-go names for Bayswater council to choose from whenever a new road or old laneway needs a name. 

by DAVID BELL