N. A. Tye and the Japanese Bazaar
By Steve Lent, Crook County Historian
Ng Ah Tye arrived in the United States from China at an unknown date, fueled by dreams of entrepreneurial success. He may have first ventured to Eastern Oregon during the 1860s gold rush in Canyon City, where a vibrant Chinese community had taken root amidst the mining boom. Despite the era’s prevalent anti-Chinese sentiment, Tye’s ambition and determination set him apart.
In 1889, Tye made his way to Prineville and launched a modest business in a tiny 8-by-10-foot room within the Cary House Restaurant. With an initial stock valued at $200, Tye collaborated with others working at the Cary House to get his business off the ground. His inventory included handkerchiefs, Chinese parasols, fans, and a small selection of trinkets. These colorful and exotic goods quickly captured the attention of local customers, selling at competitive Portland prices.
As demand grew, so did the need for space. Tye’s business relocated to a larger 16-by-30-foot building, where it thrived for five years. Eventually, he expanded again, this time to two floors of the Christiani Building, covering an impressive 1,500 square feet. His merchandise filled every inch of the space, stacked from floor to ceiling.
The store, which became known as the Japanese Bazaar, offered a diverse array of goods, including furniture, Chinese and Japanese silks, curios, trinkets, toys, fine cigars, confectioneries, and domestic fruits. Tye’s specialty lay in Chinaware and crockery, boasting a vast inventory that attracted customers from near and far. While Japanese goods were part of his stock, the business was distinctly Chinese-operated. Tye’s keen eye for trends and novelties ensured his shelves were always filled with the latest popular items, keeping his business competitive and thriving.
On November 11, 1895, Tye married Lee Ting in Portland, and the couple had two children, Van and Leland. While details of Tye’s later life remain a mystery, his legacy as a successful merchant and an integral part of Prineville’s history endures. Whether he returned to China or remained in the United States, Tye’s story reflects the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that defined his journey.