Media’s Jaisohn Memorial House reopens after makeover
UPPER PROVIDENCE » In 1925, when Dr. Philip Jaisohn purchased a Federalist-style, red brick home in Upper Providence on Media’s border, it was likely a coincidence to be on Lincoln Street. But the similarities are quite apparent between President Lincoln’s quest for American unity and individual freedom and Jaisohn’s passion for the same qualities in his homeland.
Jaisohn was born Soh, JaiPil, Jan. 7, 1864, in Boseonggun, South Korea. He is described as “a Korean-American political activist and physician who was a noted champion of the Korean independence movement.” The complexities and challenges of his life go far beyond that minimal explanation. They are, in effect, worthy of exploration and study, which is the essence of the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation, and the purpose of the Lincoln Street house.
The foundation celebrated a reopening to highlight an addition as well as to welcome and thank those involved. The attached conference space and connecting hallway expand the existing Philip Jaisohn Memorial House, the repository for documents, memorabilia and exhibits about his enduring commitment to independence and democracy. The house serves as a facility for those near and far to learn about the critical contributions of a man who is considered a founder of South Korean independence. His life’s work may well have included the position as the first president of his nation, although he declined the petition, citing (as some documents report) the need for greater political unity.
As must be apparent, Jaisohn’s political activism started at a young age and continued with momentous accomplishments which were diverse and wide-ranging. The short media advisory prepared by George Choe, president and CEO of the foundation, cited the following Jaisohn achievements: The first Korean to be naturalized as a U. S. citizen; the first Korean-American to earn a U. S. medical degree; founder of the “Independent,” the first Korean language newspaper in Korea; a primary organizer of the “First Korean Congress” in 1919 which took place in Philadelphia; and with Rev. Floyd W. Tomkins, rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Rittenhouse Square, established the League of Friends of Korea spanning 23 cities.
Jaisohn’s ties to Delaware County included an office in Chester where he practiced general medicine. He later specialized in pathology, all the while pursuing international relationships, especially between Korea and the United States.
“This is a truly historic place where Dr. Jaisohn lived from
1925 to his death in 1951,” said Choe. Jaisohn was married to the former Muriel Armstrong (niece of U. S. President James Buchanan) with whom he had two daughters.
“This building project was a difficult with many groups participating,” said Choe, noting the financial support of
$620,000 from South Korea and other contributions for the $800,000 total project cost.
In his welcome greeting, foundation board Chairman Dr. Chong Tae Kim also referred to the “non-political support” received to further freedom and independence. He said the foundation and house in particular would be “open to everyone to learn and preserve Dr. Jaisohn’s values.” Kim emphasized that Jaisohn’s exhaustive efforts helped “build a bridge between South Korea and the United States.”
Among participants were state Senator Tim Kearney, D-26 of Swarthmore; Upper Providence Township Manager Greg Lebold; legislators from surrounding jurisdictions; and Ambassador WonSam Chang, New York consul general, Republic of Korea. In addition to several resolutions, awards were presented to architect Robert H. Linn and builder Tom Riley for the addition’s design and construction which had been in the planning stages for several years and built in 10 months, including the challenging environment of COVID-19.
Choe observed that the Philip Jaisohn Memorial House had no greater local supporter than Media Mayor Bob McMahon. Chang presented McMahon with the “Republic of Korean Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Appreciation Award.” McMahon’s initial involvement with the Jaisohn House went back at least two decades on a considerable occasion.
“The proudest day I have had as mayor came in 1999 with the visit of President Kim Dae-jung,” McMahon said.
The South Korean president was being honored with the Philadelphia Liberty Medal. It is understood that coming to the Jaisohn House was more of a pilgrimage than a mere stop on the trip to the city. The visit to Delaware County by a foreign head of state remains only one of two in recent memory.
“Since then I have been involved in whatever I could do for the Jaisohn House, and know what a special place it is,” said McMahon.
FYI: The Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation was established in 1975 and offers a more extensive range of social and educational services. For more information go to www. jaishohn.org.