19 Facts About Mae Yih

Mae Yih was born on Chih Feng Dunn May 24,1928 and is a former member of both houses of the legislature of the US state of Oregon.

Mae Yih is the first Chinese American to serve in a state senate in the United States.

Mae Yih's family was quite well off, with her father owning two textile mills, a nightclub and hotel that is the Peace Hotel, and an automobile dealership.

Mae Yih attended a girls' school, which relocated to a foreign concession during the Japanese occupation of Shanghai, and finished her high school education in 1946.

Mae Yih later stated that this served as an inspiration to enter politics.

Mae Yih started service on the Clover Ridge Elementary School board in 1969, moving to the Albany Union High School board in 1975.

In 1976, the local Democratic Party chairperson asked Mae Yih to run for the Oregon State House.

Mae Yih won the election, defeating a Republican opponent who had 14 years of incumbency.

Mae Yih went on to serve three two-year terms in the House.

In 1982, Mae Yih decided to run for a seat in the Oregon State Senate.

Mae Yih won this election, and was re-elected in 1986,1990,1994, and 1998.

Mae Yih decided not to seek re-election in 2002 and retired at the end of her term in January 2003.

Mae Yih was known as a strong supporter of field burning because it is a more effective control of disease and insects than the use of chemicals.

Mae Yih introduced and passed legislation to establish sister state relationship with Fujian province, China in 1983.

Mae Yih accompanied Oregon governor Atiyeh to sign the agreement with Governor of Fujian province in 1984.

Mae Yih organized legislative leadership trade delegation to visit Fujian province and other cities in China in 1992,1997,2000, and 2002.

Mae Yih was awarded Honorary Citizen of Fujian Province in 1994.

Mae Yih worked for Wah Chang Corporation, which transferred him to Albany, Oregon in 1956.

Stephen Mae Yih was the founder of Wah Chang Corporation in Albany and was president for 20 years.