An exhibition of manuscripts recording the activities of the renowned Chestnut Leaved Oak Poetry Society (
The Lin family of Wufeng
But the devastating 921 earthquake destroyed 90 percent of the wooden buildings in the 200-year-old Lin family compound and so the Lins decided to find a new home for the papers.
PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG, TAIPEI TIMES
"We simply had no place to look after these things," said Lin Shun-tsung
The Chestnut Leaved Oak Poetry Society, established in 1902, was one of the most influential poetry societies during the period of Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945.
The society counted famous local literati among its members, including Lin Hsien-tang
Researchers into Chinese literature expressed joy over the opening of these records, which were once regarded as family heirlooms.
"I am thrilled. They've become cultural property to be shared by all Taiwanese" said Liao Jen-fu
Liao urged other well-known families in Taiwan still in in possesion of historic manuscripts to follow the example of the Lin family, to enable researchers to have better access to original material.
Also on show were private let-ters and photos of the Ching dynasty-style architecture of the buildings in the family compound taken before and after the earthquake.
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