PORTLAND (WGME) -- The home of Maine's most prominent Chinese American was honored Sunday with a historic marker.
The Chinese and American Friendship Association of Maine unveiled a plaque at 615 Forest Ave., Portland, which was once the family home and hand laundry of Toy Len Goon.
In 1952, Goon was both the Maine and American Mother of the year. Goon raised her eight children on her own after her husband died in 1941.
The city of Portland suggested she put some of her children in foster care, but she refused.
Goon ran her laundry business with the help of her older children who took turns dropping out of Deering High School to help their mom and then returning to Deering while the next oldest dropped out.
“We worked together, ate together, played together, and everybody in this town was wonderful.," said Doris Wong, Goon's daughter. "They embraced us, supported us and it helped us to succeed. We always felt like part of America, and we all went forward and received the benefits of this great country.”
All of her eight children had post-secondary education.
Goon received her award at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
“I am thrilled that she is still remembered with such love by her family, of course, and by complete strangers," said Wong. "They love her story, and she is a remarkable woman.”
She then traveled to Washington, D. C., where she was given a reception at the White House by First Lady Bess Truman.
She had lunch with the Speaker of the House in his Capitol dining room and was given a reception at the Embassy of the Republic of China.
On her way home to Portland, a parade was held for her through New York City's Chinatown.