Elderly Neighbor Recalls Tang Tech-chang's Pets, Familiar Fruit Tree at Former Residence

An elderly neighbor has shared vivid memories of the late Tang Tech-chang, recalling his unusual pets and a familiar fruit tree at his former residence. The Tang Tech-chang Memorial Association is now inviting the public to visit the historic site, especially during the fruiting season of the Sterculia lyrate tree, also known as the "phoenix eye fruit."

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The Sterculia lyrate tree, also known as the "phoenix eye fruit," has borne fruit again this year.

The woman, who was a neighbor of Tang in Yushan when she was young, visited his former home with her family. She recounted bringing cigarettes and betel nuts to visit Tang's mother, Mrs. Tang Yu, after Tang returned to Taiwan and purchased the house. Seeing the Sterculia lyrate tree laden with fruit brought back memories of her youth. She shared that the fruit's seeds can be steamed with rice and have a subtle chestnut flavor.

She also recalled a lesser-known anecdote: Tang kept a dog and a monkey at his residence. During her first visit, the monkey startled her by growling, prompting Tang to chase it away. This lively description painted a picture of the home's past vibrancy.

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When she saw the Sterculia lyrate tree, which bears fruit, she also shared her memories of life in the early years.

The memorial association emphasizes that history resides not only in documents but also in old houses, trees, and people's memories. They plan to host exhibitions, guided tours, and commemorative events in the latter half of the year and into the next, encouraging more people to learn about Tang Tech-chang and modern Taiwanese history through the historic site and support cultural heritage preservation.

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She recalled that Tang Tech-chang kept a dog and a monkey at his residence.

The former residence is open to visitors from Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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History exists not only in documents but also in old houses, old trees, and the memories of generations.