Part 7: Portraits of Two Families - Oakland Asian Cultural Center

THE SHINNS AND THE WHANGS:
RETRACING THEIR SAN FRANCISCO BEGINNINGS

The following are excerpts from a family immigration story written by members of the third generation Shinns, Philip Shinn, David Shinn, Gail Whang and Michael Shinn. You can read the full text at immigrant-voices.aiisf.org.

All photos, courtesy of the Shinn Family.

The Shinn family, all grown up and married in 1974. Standing L-R: Richie, Helen, Peter, Paul Whang (Ruth’s husband), Johnnie. Sitting L-R: Violet (Richie’s wife), Tung-Ja (Peter’s wife), Sun Hee, Ruth, Corona (Paul’s wife) and Paul.

The following are excerpts from Memories of My Grandfather by Gail Whang, the granddaughter of Rev. Whang Sa Sun and Chang Tai Sun. Gail wrote the essay based on conversations with her grandfather before he passed away.

All family photos, courtesy of Gail Whang.

THE WHANGS AND THE SHINNS BECOME IN-LAWS

Wedding photo of Ruth Shinn (bride) and Paul Whang (groom) standing behind her, October 17, 1943. Rev. Whang, the officiant, in back row, far left. Courtesy of Gail Whang.

The Whang’s son, Paul Whang, and the Shinn’s second daughter, Ruth Shinn, were married on October 17, 1943. The wedding was at the Korean United Methodist Church with Rev. Whang (back left) officiating. The two met at church where both families were longtime members. Dal Yun Shinn and Rev. Whang were also active members of the Korean National Association and the Hung Sa Dahn. Ruth and Paul had three children, Gail, Denise and Ronnie.