Albums: Albert & Lily
Also in this section: Quon Clan
Houses
The Quons regularly upgraded residences. They loved to entertain, and were unabashed about photographing and sharing images of where they lived.
1930s to 1940s: From San Diego to Los Angeles
The Quons moved to Los Angeles in 1937. Their Spanish villa at South Gramercy Place was right next door to the house of Albert's early mentor, fellow USC alumnus and ground-breaking immigration lawyer Y.C. Hong, who is credited with helping to repeal the Chinese Exclusion Act.
It's known that both the Quons and the Hongs had to have white friends buy their houses. It's assumed the Quons followed the Hongs in moving there. The Tom family who owned a grocery business lived across the street, and other friends, the Louies, lived at nearby Wilton Place.
It's known that both the Quons and the Hongs had to have white friends buy their houses. It's assumed the Quons followed the Hongs in moving there. The Tom family who owned a grocery business lived across the street, and other friends, the Louies, lived at nearby Wilton Place.
1940s to c. 1955: North Rodeo Drive
The Quons often claimed to be the first Chinese family in Beverly Hills. The main photo on this page was taken in this house. It was also the site of the 25th wedding anniversary celebration at the center of The Summer of 1954 letters. The house was later owned by actor/director Carl Reiner. Facebook photos after his death in 2020 show the house looking remarkably unchanged.
From c. 1955: Laurel Way, Beverly Hills
As in their previous houses, the Quons blended Asian and Western home decor. This house was designed by an upcoming Thornton Ladd, whose sleek designs took inspiration from Japan.
Christmas Cards
Also in this section: Quon Clan